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.
What has been a fixed part of 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 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 usual season opener on a course that has offered spectacular drives and stunning Pacific scenery since 1999.
Water Shut Off – Course Conditions Not Suitable for PGA Tour
As early as August 2025, it was clear: the Plantation Course was facing serious problems. Water supply was almost completely stopped, and both courses at Kapalua had to close. Even after partial easing of restrictions, water volumes remained so limited that the course could not be restored to its usual condition. The PGA Tour sent its agronomy teams to inspect – but the verdict was clear: no tournament start under these conditions. A substitute location was considered, but transport, infrastructure, and scheduling made the plan quickly unrealistic.
What’s Next for the Season Opener?
Whether The Sentry will return to the calendar in 2027 remains open. Behind the scenes, a new PGA Tour schedule is being developed. Among other things, there is consideration of moving the season start to February – with more focus and less competition from the NFL. Tiger Woods is leading the commission devising proposals for a more modern structure. Nothing is decided yet.
Instead of The Sentry, the Sony Open in Honolulu will take over the opening role. It will be played from January 15 at the Waialae Country Club. For the PGA Tour, this is more than a minor calendar change, as The Sentry was for many years the tournament where the previous year’s winner and top-50 players started 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 is uncertain – but one thing is clear: 2026 will be quiet in Kapalua.