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 on Maui, combined 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 that has featured spectacular drives and stunning Pacific views since 1999.
Water Cut Off – Course Conditions Not Fit for the PGA Tour
By August 2025, it was clear: The Plantation Course was struggling with serious problems. Water supply was almost completely stopped, and both courses at Kapalua had to close. Even after partial easing of restrictions, the water quantities remained so limited that the course could not be restored to its usual condition. The PGA Tour sent its agronomy teams to assess – but their verdict was clear: no tournament start under these conditions. A replacement venue was considered, but transport, infrastructure, and scheduling made the plan quickly 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 other things, there are plans to move the season start to February, focusing more and facing 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 now 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 was for many years the tournament where the previous year’s winner and top-50 players ushered in the new year in a relaxed atmosphere. Now the season starts straight with the first full field. Whether and when The Sentry returns remains open – what is certain is that 2026 will be quiet in Kapalua.