The PGA Tour cancels The Sentry 2026 due to ongoing drought and water shortages in Kapalua and begins the new season with the Sony Open in Hawaii.
The PGA Tour has removed The Sentry at the Kapalua Resort from its 2026 schedule, a fixture on the calendar for years. The reason lies literally in the ground – or more precisely, in the lack of water. The ongoing 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 will lose its usual season opener at a course known since 1999 for spectacular drives and stunning Pacific backdrops.
Water Shutoff – Course Conditions Unfit for the PGA Tour
By August 2025, it was clear the Plantation Course was facing serious issues. Water supply was nearly completely cut off, forcing the closure of both courses at Kapalua. Even after partial easing of restrictions, the available water was not sufficient to restore the course to its usual condition. The PGA Tour sent its agronomy teams to assess the situation, but the verdict was clear: no tournament start under these circumstances. A replacement venue was considered, but transportation, infrastructure, and scheduling made this quickly impractical.
What’s Next for the Season Opener?
It remains uncertain whether The Sentry will return in 2027. Behind the scenes, a new PGA Tour schedule is being developed. Among the ideas under discussion is moving the season start to February to allow more focus and less competition from the NFL. Tiger Woods leads the commission working on proposals for a more modern structure, but nothing has been decided yet.
Instead of The Sentry, the Sony Open in Honolulu will now serve as the season opener. The tournament will be played from January 15 at the Waialae Country Club. This calendar change is significant for the PGA Tour, as The Sentry had long been the event where reigning champions and top-50 players welcomed the new year in a relaxed atmosphere. Now the season will begin directly with a full field. Whether or when The Sentry will return is unclear; what is certain is that 2026 will be quiet in Kapalua.