The PGA Tour cancels The Sentry 2026 due to ongoing drought and water shortages in Kapalua, starting the 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 its schedule. The reasons lie literally in the ground – or more precisely: in the lack of water. The ongoing drought in Maui, along with irrigation restrictions and numerous logistical challenges, led to the decision not to hold the tournament. This means the PGA Tour loses its usual 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
As early as August 2025, it became clear that the Plantation Course was facing serious problems. The water supply was almost completely cut off, and both courses at Kapalua had to close. Even after partial easing of restrictions, the limited water supply prevented the course from being brought to its usual condition. The PGA Tour sent agronomy teams to assess the situation – but their verdict was clear: no tournament could start under these circumstances. A replacement venue was considered, but transport, infrastructure, and scheduling issues quickly made the idea unrealistic.
What’s Next for the Season Opener?
It remains uncertain whether The Sentry will return to the calendar in 2027. Behind the scenes, a new PGA Tour schedule is being developed. Among the ideas is shifting the season start to February, focusing more and avoiding competition with the NFL. Tiger Woods leads the commission working on proposals for a more modern structure, but nothing is decided yet.
Instead of The Sentry, the Sony Open in Honolulu will take over the opening role, played from January 15 at the Waialae Country Club. For the PGA Tour, this is more than just 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 begins directly with a full field. Whether and when The Sentry will return remains uncertain – but one thing is clear: 2026 will be quiet in Kapalua.