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 had been a staple on the calendar for years will be missing in 2026: The PGA Tour has removed The Sentry at the Kapalua Resort from its schedule. The reasons lie literally in the ground – more precisely, the lack of water. The persistent drought on Maui, along with irrigation restrictions and numerous logistical hurdles, led to the decision not to hold the tournament. As a result, the PGA Tour loses its customary season opener on a course known since 1999 for spectacular drives and stunning Pacific scenery.
Water Cut Off – Course Conditions Unsuitable for the PGA Tour
Already by August 2025, it became clear that the Plantation Course was facing serious problems. Water supply was almost completely halted, forcing the closure of both courses at Kapalua. Even after partial relaxation of restrictions, the amounts remained so limited that the course could not be restored to its usual condition. The PGA Tour sent its agronomy teams to assess the situation – but the verdict was clear: no tournament start under these circumstances. A replacement venue was considered, but transportation, infrastructure, and scheduling made it quickly unrealistic.
What’s Next for the Season Opener?
Whether The Sentry returns 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, aiming for more focus and less competition from the NFL. Tiger Woods is leading the commission working on proposals for a more modern structure. Nothing has yet been decided.
Instead of The Sentry, the Sony Open in Honolulu will now take over as the season opener. The event will be played from January 15 at the Waialae Country Club. For the PGA Tour, this change is more than a minor calendar adjustment, as The Sentry had long been the tournament where the previous year’s winner and top 50 players kicked off the new year in a relaxed atmosphere. Now, the season will begin directly with a full field. Whether and when The Sentry will return remains open – one thing is certain: 2026 will be quiet in Kapalua.