The PGA Tour cancels The Sentry 2026 due to ongoing drought and water shortages in Kapalua, starting the new season with the Sony Open in Hawaii.
What has been a staple on the calendar for years will be missing in 2026: the PGA Tour has removed The Sentry at 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, combined with irrigation restrictions and numerous logistical challenges, led to the decision not to hold the tournament. This means the PGA Tour loses its usual season opener on a course that has showcased spectacular drives and stunning Pacific backdrops since 1999.
Water Supply Cut – Course Conditions Not Suitable for the PGA Tour
By August 2025, it was already clear that the Plantation Course was facing serious problems. Water supply was nearly completely shut off, and both courses at Kapalua had to close. Even after partial easing of restrictions, water amounts remained so limited that the course could not be brought to its usual condition. The PGA Tour sent its agronomy teams to assess – 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 Start?
Whether The Sentry will return to the calendar in 2027 remains uncertain. Behind the scenes, a new PGA Tour schedule is being worked on. Among the considerations is shifting the season start to February – focusing more and facing less competition from the NFL. Tiger Woods leads the commission developing proposals for a more modern structure. Nothing has been decided yet.
Instead of The Sentry, the Sony Open in Honolulu will take over the opening role. The tournament will be played from January 15 at Waialae Country Club. For the PGA Tour, this is more than a small calendar change: The Sentry was for many years the event where defending champions and top-50 players kicked off the new year in a relaxed atmosphere. Now, the season will start directly with the first full field. Whether and when The Sentry will return remains open – one thing is certain: 2026 will be quiet in Kapalua.