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 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 on Maui, 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 on a course that has been known for spectacular drives and breathtaking Pacific backdrops since 1999.
Water Cut Off – Course Conditions Not Suitable for PGA Tour
As early as August 2025, it was clear: The Plantation Course was facing serious issues. Water supply was almost completely halted, forcing both courses at Kapalua to close. Even after partial easing of restrictions, the available water was so limited that the course could not be restored to its usual condition. The PGA Tour sent in its agronomy teams – but the verdict was clear: no tournament start under these conditions. A replacement venue was considered, but transport, infrastructure, and scheduling challenges quickly made the plan 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 discussion about moving the season start to February – aiming for more focus and less competition with 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 tournament will be held from January 15 at the Waialae Country Club. For the PGA Tour, this is more than a minor calendar change, as The Sentry was for many years the event where the previous year’s winner 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 will return remains open – but one thing is certain: 2026 will be quiet in Kapalua.