The PGA Tour cancels The Sentry 2026 due to ongoing drought and water shortages in Kapalua and kicks off the new season in Hawaii with the Sony Open.
What has 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 agenda. The reasons are literally in the ground – or more precisely: the lack of water. The persistent drought on Maui, restrictions on irrigation, and numerous logistical hurdles led to the decision not to hold the tournament. This means the PGA Tour loses its usual season opener at a course that has been known since 1999 for spectacular drives and breathtaking Pacific views.
Water Cut – Course Conditions Unsuitable for the PGA Tour
Already in August 2025 it was clear: the Plantation Course was facing serious problems. Water supply was almost completely shut off, and both courses at Kapalua had to close. Even after partial relaxation of the restrictions, water quantities remained so limited that the course could not be restored to its usual condition. The PGA Tour sent its agronomy teams – but the verdict was clear: no tournament under these circumstances. A replacement venue was considered, but transport, infrastructure, and scheduling challenges quickly made this unrealistic.
What’s Next for the Season Start?
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 other things, there are thoughts to move the season start to February – focusing more and avoiding competition with the NFL. Tiger Woods leads the commission working on proposals for a more modern structure. Nothing has been decided yet.
Instead of The Sentry, the Sony Open in Honolulu will now take 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 kicked off the new year in a relaxed atmosphere. Now the season starts 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.