The PGA Tour cancels The Sentry 2026 due to ongoing drought and water shortage in Kapalua, beginning 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 Kapalua Resort from its agenda. The reasons lie literally in the ground—or more precisely: in the lack of water. The persistent drought on Maui, 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 at a course known since 1999 for spectacular drives and stunning Pacific backdrops.
Water Shutoff – Course Conditions Not Suitable for the PGA Tour
Already in August 2025 it became clear: the Plantation Course was facing serious issues. Water supply was almost completely cut off, and both Kapalua courses had to close. Even after partial easing of restrictions, the water amount remained so limited that the course could not be restored to its usual condition. The PGA Tour brought in its agronomy teams – but their verdict was clear: no tournament start under these circumstances. A replacement venue was considered, but transportation, 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 worked on. Among other ideas is moving the season start to February, with more focus and less competition from the NFL. Tiger Woods leads the committee developing proposals for a more modern structure. Nothing has been decided yet.
Instead of The Sentry, the Sony Open in Honolulu will take over as season opener, played from January 15 at Waialae Country Club. For the PGA Tour, this is more than a minor calendar change: The Sentry was long the tournament where previous year’s winners and top-50 players would kick 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 open—but one thing is certain: 2026 will be quiet in Kapalua.