The PGA Tour cancels The Sentry 2026 due to ongoing drought and water shortages in Kapalua, starting the new season with the Sony Open in Hawaii.
What had 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 quite 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 loses its usual season opener at a course known since 1999 for spectacular drives and stunning Pacific scenery.
Water Shut Off – Course Conditions Unsuitable for PGA Tour
As early as August 2025, it was clear: The Plantation Course was facing serious problems. Water supply was nearly completely cut off, forcing both courses in Kapalua to close. Even after partial easing of restrictions, water quantities remained too limited to restore the course to its usual condition. The PGA Tour sent 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 option 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 the proposals is shifting the season start to February, aiming for more focus and less competition with the NFL. Tiger Woods is leading the commission working on suggestions for a more modern structure. Nothing is decided yet.
Instead of The Sentry, the Sony Open in Honolulu will now take the opening spot, starting January 15 at the Waialae Country Club. For the PGA Tour, this is more than a simple calendar change, as The Sentry long served as the tournament where the previous year’s winner and top-50 players welcomed the new year in a relaxed atmosphere. Now the season will begin directly with a full field. Whether and when The Sentry will return remains open—but one thing is certain: 2026 will be quiet in Kapalua.