The PGA Tour cancels The Sentry 2026 due to ongoing drought and water shortages in Kapalua, starting the season in Hawaii with the Sony Open.
What has been a fixed part of the calendar for years will be gone in 2026: The PGA Tour has removed The Sentry at Kapalua Resort from the schedule. The reasons lie literally in the ground – or more precisely: in the lack of water. The ongoing 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 traditional season opener at a venue that has been known since 1999 for spectacular drives and stunning Pacific views.
Water Cut Off – Course Conditions Not Suitable for the PGA Tour
By August 2025, it was clear the Plantation Course was facing serious problems. Water supply was almost entirely cut off, and both courses in 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 agronomy teams to assess the situation – but the verdict was clear: no tournament start under these conditions. A replacement venue was considered, but transport, infrastructure, and scheduling made it unrealistically complex.
What’s Next for the Season Opener?
Whether The Sentry will return to the schedule in 2027 remains uncertain. Behind the scenes, a new PGA Tour calendar is being developed. Among other ideas is shifting the season start to February – with more focus and less competition from the NFL. Tiger Woods is leading 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 take over the opening role, starting January 15 at Waialae Country Club. For the PGA Tour, this is more than a minor calendar change, as The Sentry was traditionally the event where the previous year’s winner and top-50 players kicked off the new year in a relaxed atmosphere. Now the season begins directly with a full field. Whether and when The Sentry will return remains open – one thing is certain: 2026 will be quiet in Kapalua.