The PGA Tour cancels The Sentry 2026 due to ongoing drought and water shortages in Kapalua and will begin the new season in Hawaii with the Sony Open.
After being a staple on the calendar for years, The Sentry at Kapalua Resort will be absent in 2026. The reasons lie quite literally in the ground—or more precisely, in the lack of water. The ongoing drought on Maui, irrigation restrictions, and numerous logistical challenges led to the decision not to hold the tournament. This means the PGA Tour loses its customary season opener on a course that has featured spectacular drives and breathtaking Pacific backdrops since 1999.
Water Shut Off – Course Conditions Unsuitable for PGA Tour
As early as August 2025, it became clear that the Plantation Course was facing serious issues. Water supply was nearly completely halted, forcing the closure of both courses at Kapalua. Even after partial easing of restrictions, water availability remained so limited that the course could not be brought up to its usual standard. The PGA Tour sent in its agronomy teams—with a clear verdict: no tournament can start under these conditions. An alternative venue was considered, but transportation, infrastructure, and scheduling made it unrealistic.
What’s Next for the Season Opener?
Whether The Sentry will return in 2027 remains uncertain. Behind the scenes, a new PGA Tour schedule is being developed. Among the ideas is shifting the season start to February, aiming for more focus and less competition with the NFL. Tiger Woods leads the commission working on proposals for a more modern structure. Nothing has been decided yet.
Instead, the Sony Open in Honolulu will take over the opening role, played from January 15 at the Waialae Country Club. For the PGA Tour, this is more than a minor calendar adjustment, as The Sentry has long been the tournament where last year’s winners and top-50 players kicked off the new year in a relaxed atmosphere. Now, the season will begin directly with the first full field. Whether and when The Sentry will return remains open—but one thing is certain: 2026 will be quiet in Kapalua.