The PGA Tour cancels The Sentry 2026 due to ongoing drought and water shortages in Kapalua and begins the new season in Hawaii with the Sony Open.
What had been a staple on the calendar for years will be missing in 2026: The PGA Tour has removed The Sentry from the schedule at the Kapalua Resort. The reasons lie literally in the ground – or more precisely: the lack of water. Ongoing drought on Maui, restrictions on irrigation, and numerous logistical challenges led to the decision not to hold the tournament. This means the PGA Tour loses its familiar season opener on a course known since 1999 for spectacular drives and stunning Pacific scenery.
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 completely shut off, and both courses at Kapalua had to close. Even after partial easing of restrictions, the quantities remained so limited that the course could not be brought to its usual condition. The PGA Tour sent its agronomy teams to assess – but the verdict was clear: no tournament start under these conditions. A replacement venue was considered, but transport, infrastructure, and scheduling quickly made the idea unrealistic.
Future of the Season Opener
Whether The Sentry returns to the calendar in 2027 remains uncertain. Behind the scenes, a new PGA Tour schedule is being worked on. Among the ideas is moving the season start to February – with more focus and less competition from the NFL. Tiger Woods leads the commission developing proposals for a more modern structure. Nothing is 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 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 winners 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.