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 fixed fixture on the calendar for years, The Sentry at Kapalua Resort has been removed from the PGA Tour schedule for 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 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 backdrops.
Water Shut Off – Course Conditions Not Suitable for PGA Tour
By August 2025, it was clear that the Plantation Course was dealing with serious problems. Water supply was almost completely cut off, forcing the closure of both courses at Kapalua. Even after some easing of restrictions, water volumes remained too limited to bring the course to its usual condition. The PGA Tour sent its agronomy teams, but the verdict was clear: no tournament start under these conditions. A replacement venue was considered, but transportation, infrastructure, and scheduling made the idea unrealistic.
What’s Next for the Season Opener?
Whether The Sentry will return to the calendar in 2027 remains uncertain. Behind the scenes, work is underway on a new PGA Tour schedule. Among the ideas is moving the season start to February, with more focus and less competition from the NFL. Tiger Woods heads 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 the Waialae Country Club. For the PGA Tour, this is more than a simple calendar change. The Sentry has long been the tournament where previous year’s winners and top-50 players kick off the new year in a relaxed atmosphere. Now, the season begins straight away with a full field. Whether and when The Sentry returns is still open – but one thing is certain: 2026 will be quiet in Kapalua.