The PGA Tour cancels The Sentry 2026 due to ongoing drought and water shortage in Kapalua, starting the season in Hawaii with the Sony Open.
What had been a fixed part of the calendar for years will be missing in 2026: The PGA Tour has taken The Sentry at the Kapalua Resort off the agenda. The reasons lie literally in the ground – or more precisely: in the lack of water. The ongoing drought on Maui, along with 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 since 1999 has been known for spectacular drives and stunning Pacific backdrops.
Water Cut Off – Course Conditions Not Suitable for the PGA Tour
By August 2025 it was already 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 some easing of restrictions, the available amounts remained too limited to bring the course back to its usual condition. The PGA Tour sent its agronomy teams to inspect – but the verdict was clear: no tournament start under these conditions. Alternatives were considered, but transport, infrastructure, and scheduling made the idea quickly unrealistic.
What’s Next for the Season Opener?
Whether The Sentry will return to the calendar in 2027 remains uncertain. Behind the scenes, a new PGA Tour schedule is being worked on. Among other things, there is consideration to move the season start to February, with a greater focus and less competition from the NFL. Tiger Woods is leading the commission developing proposals for a more modern structure. Nothing has been finalized yet.
Instead of The Sentry, the Sony Open in Honolulu will take over the opening role, 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 will start directly with a full field. Whether and when The Sentry returns is still open – one thing is certain: 2026 will be quiet in Kapalua.