The PGA Tour cancels The Sentry 2026 due to ongoing drought and water shortages in Kapalua and will start the new season in Hawaii with the Sony Open.
What has been a staple on the calendar for years will be absent in 2026: The PGA Tour has removed The Sentry at the Kapalua Resort from its agenda. 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 hurdles led to the decision not to hold the tournament. This means the PGA Tour loses its customary season opener on a course known since 1999 for spectacular drives and stunning Pacific views.
Water Cut Off – Course Conditions Not Suitable for PGA Tour
Already in August 2025 it became clear that the Plantation Course faced serious problems. Water supply was nearly completely shut off, and both courses at Kapalua had to close. Even after partial easing of restrictions, the available water amounts remained so limited that the course could not be brought back to its usual condition. The PGA Tour dispatched its agronomy teams, but the verdict was clear: no tournament start under these conditions. A replacement venue was considered, but transport, infrastructure, and scheduling made the idea quickly unrealistic.
What’s Next for the Season Opener?
Whether The Sentry will return to the calendar 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 for more focus and less competition with the NFL. Tiger Woods is leading the commission working on proposals for a more modern structure. Nothing has been decided yet.
Instead, the Sony Open in Honolulu will take over as the opener, played from January 15 at the Waialae Country Club. For the PGA Tour, this is more than a minor calendar change, as The Sentry has been the tournament where past champions and top-50 players warmly welcomed the new year for many years. Now the season will start immediately with a full field. Whether and when The Sentry returns remains open; what is certain is that 2026 will be quiet in Kapalua.