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 had been a fixed part of the calendar for years will be missing in 2026: The PGA Tour has removed The Sentry at the Kapalua Resort from its schedule. The reasons lie quite literally in the ground – or more precisely: in the lack of water. The ongoing drought in Maui, alongside 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 known since 1999 for spectacular drives and stunning Pacific backdrops.
Water Cut Off – Course Conditions Unsuitable for PGA Tour
Already in August 2025, it was clear: The Plantation Course faced serious problems. Water supply was almost completely stopped, and both courses in Kapalua had to close. Even after some easing of the restrictions, the quantity remained so limited that the course could not be restored to its usual condition. The PGA Tour sent its agronomy teams to assess the situation – but their verdict was clear: no tournament start under these circumstances. An alternative venue was considered, but transport, infrastructure, and scheduling made this plan quickly unrealistic.
Future of the Season Opener?
Whether The Sentry returns to the schedule in 2027 remains uncertain. Behind the scenes, work is ongoing on a new PGA Tour calendar. Among suggestions is shifting the season start to February, with greater focus and less competition from the NFL. Tiger Woods leads the commission developing proposals for a more modern structure. Nothing has been decided yet.
Instead of The Sentry, the Sony Open in Honolulu will open the season, starting January 15 at the Waialae Country Club. For the PGA Tour, this is more than a small calendar change, as The Sentry was for many years the event where the previous year’s winner and top-50 players welcomed the new year in a relaxed atmosphere. Now the season begins immediately with a full field. Whether and when The Sentry will return remains open – one thing is certain: 2026 will be quiet in Kapalua.