The PGA Tour cancels The Sentry 2026 due to ongoing drought and water shortages 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 its schedule. The reasons are literally in the ground – or more precisely, the lack of water. The 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 usual season opener at a course that had been known since 1999 for spectacular drives and stunning Pacific backdrops.
Water Shut Off – Course Conditions Not Suitable for PGA Tour
As early as August 2025, it was clear that the Plantation Course was facing serious problems. The water supply was almost completely stopped, and both courses at Kapalua had to close. Even after partial relaxation of restrictions, water volumes remained so limited that the course could not be brought to its usual condition. The PGA Tour sent its agronomy teams to inspect – but the verdict was clear: no tournament start under these conditions. A replacement location was considered, but transport, infrastructure, and scheduling made the plan quickly unrealistic.
What’s Next for the Season Opener?
Whether The Sentry will return to the calendar in 2027 remains uncertain. Behind the scenes, a new PGA Tour schedule is being developed. Among other things, there is consideration to move the season start to February – with 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. It 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 had been the tournament where previous year’s winners and top 50 players welcomed the new year in a relaxed atmosphere for many years. Now the season will start directly with a full field. Whether and when The Sentry will return remains open – only one thing is certain: 2026 will be quiet in Kapalua.