The PGA Tour cancels The Sentry in 2026 due to ongoing drought and water shortages in Kapalua, beginning the season in Hawaii with the Sony Open.
What had been a fixture on the calendar for years will be absent in 2026: the PGA Tour has removed The Sentry from the schedule at Kapalua Resort. The reasons lie quite literally in the ground – or more precisely, the lack of water. Ongoing 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 traditional season opener on a course known since 1999 for spectacular drives and breathtaking Pacific backdrops.
Water Shutoff – Course Conditions Not Suitable for the PGA Tour
As early as August 2025 it was clear: the Plantation Course faced serious problems. The water supply was almost completely halted, forcing the closure of both courses at Kapalua. Even after partial relaxation of restrictions, the limited water availability prevented the course from returning to its usual condition. The PGA Tour sent agronomy teams to assess – but their verdict was clear: no tournament start under these circumstances. A replacement venue was considered, but transport, infrastructure, and scheduling made the plan unrealistic.
What Lies Ahead 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 ideas is moving the season start to February, allowing more focus and less competition with the NFL. Tiger Woods leads the commission working on proposals for a modernized structure. Nothing has been finalized yet.
Instead of The Sentry, the Sony Open in Honolulu will now serve as the season opener, played from January 15 at the Waialae Country Club. For the PGA Tour, this is more than a minor calendar shift, as The Sentry traditionally marked a relaxed start to the year for defending champions and top-50 players. Now the season begins directly with a full field. Whether and when The Sentry returns remains open – but one thing is certain: 2026 will be quiet in Kapalua.