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 has been a longstanding fixture on the calendar will be absent in 2026: the PGA Tour has removed The Sentry at Kapalua Resort from its schedule. The reasons lie quite literally in the ground—or more precisely: the lack of water. The prolonged drought on Maui, combined with irrigation restrictions and numerous logistical challenges, led to the decision not to hold the tournament. This means the PGA Tour loses its traditional season opener on a course known since 1999 for spectacular drives and stunning Pacific vistas.
Water Cut Off – Course Conditions Not Suitable for the PGA Tour
As early as August 2025, it was clear that the Plantation Course was facing serious issues. Water supply was nearly completely halted, forcing the closure of both courses in Kapalua. Even after partial easing of restrictions, the water availability 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 their verdict was clear: no tournament start under these conditions. Alternate venues were considered, but transport, infrastructure, and scheduling made such plans impractical.
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 developed. Among the considerations is moving the season start to February to allow greater focus and less competition from the NFL. Tiger Woods leads the commission working on proposals for a more modern structure, though no decisions have been finalized yet.
Instead of The Sentry, the Sony Open in Honolulu will now take the opening role. The event will be played from 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 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 remains to be seen—what is certain is that 2026 will be quiet in Kapalua.