The PGA Tour cancels The Sentry in 2026 due to ongoing drought and water shortages in Kapalua, kicking off the season in Hawaii with the Sony Open.
The Sentry Tournament of Champions, a long-standing staple on the PGA Tour calendar, will be absent in 2026. The PGA Tour has removed The Sentry at the Kapalua Resort due to severe drought conditions and water restrictions in Maui, as well as logistical challenges preventing the tournament from taking place. This marks the loss of a traditional season opener held since 1999, known for spectacular drives and stunning Pacific backdrops.
Water Shut Off – Course Conditions Not Suitable for the PGA Tour
By August 2025, it was clear the Plantation Course was facing serious issues. Water supply was nearly completely halted, forcing the closure of both courses at Kapalua. Even after some easing of restrictions, water availability remained too limited to bring the course up to standard. The PGA Tour sent its agronomy teams to assess the conditions, but the verdict was clear: the tournament could not proceed under these circumstances. A replacement venue was considered but proved unfeasible due to transportation, infrastructure, and scheduling complications.
What’s Next for the Season Opener?
It remains uncertain if The Sentry will return to the schedule in 2027. Behind the scenes, the PGA Tour is working on a revised schedule. Options include moving the season start to February to allow for more focus and avoid competition with the NFL. Tiger Woods is leading the committee developing proposals for a modernized structure, but no decisions have been made yet.
In the meantime, the Sony Open in Honolulu will take over as the season opener starting January 15 at Waialae Country Club. For the PGA Tour, this represents more than a minor calendar shift: The Sentry has traditionally been the tournament where previous champions and top-50 players welcomed the new year in a relaxed setting. Now, the season will begin with a full field immediately. Whether and when The Sentry returns remains undecided – what is certain is that 2026 will be a quiet year in Kapalua.