The PGA Tour cancels The Sentry 2026 due to ongoing drought and water shortage in Kapalua, starting the new season in Hawaii with the Sony Open.
What has 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 the schedule. 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 will lose its usual season opener on a course that has showcased spectacular drives and stunning Pacific backdrops since 1999.
Water Shut Off – Course Conditions Not Suitable for PGA Tour
Already in August 2025 it was clear: The Plantation Course was facing serious problems. Water supply was nearly completely shut down, and both courses at Kapalua had to close. Even after partial easing of restrictions, the volumes remained so limited that the course could not be brought back 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 conditions. A replacement venue was 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 schedule in 2027 remains uncertain. Behind the scenes, a new PGA Tour schedule is being developed. Among the ideas is shifting the season start to February – allowing for more focus and less competition from the NFL. Tiger Woods leads the commission working on proposals for a more modern structure. Nothing has been decided yet.
Instead of The Sentry, the Sony Open in Honolulu will take over 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 minor calendar change, as The Sentry has long been the tournament where the defending champion and top-50 players kicked off the new year in a relaxed atmosphere. Now, the season begins directly with the first full field. Whether and when The Sentry returns remains open – but one thing is certain: 2026 will be quiet in Kapalua.