The PGA Tour cancels The Sentry 2026 due to ongoing drought and water shortages in Kapalua and begins the new season in Hawaii with the Sony Open.
What has been a mainstay on the calendar for years will be absent in 2026: The PGA Tour has removed The Sentry at the Kapalua Resort from its agenda. The reasons lie quite literally in the soil – or more precisely, the lack of water. The persistent 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 at a course that has been known for spectacular drives and breathtaking Pacific views since 1999.
Water cut off – course conditions unsuitable for the PGA Tour
Already in August 2025, it was clear: The Plantation Course was facing serious problems. Water supply was almost completely halted, and both courses at Kapalua had to close. Even after partial easing of restrictions, water quantities remained so limited that the course could not be brought to its usual standard. The PGA Tour sent its agronomy teams on-site – but their verdict was clear: No tournament start under these conditions. An alternative venue was considered, but transportation, infrastructure, and scheduling challenges quickly made this infeasible.
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 ideas, there is consideration to shift the season start to February to allow 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 now take the opening role, starting January 15 at the Waialae Country Club. For the PGA Tour, this is more than a minor calendar change; The Sentry had long been the tournament where the previous year’s winner and top 50 players welcomed the new year in a relaxed atmosphere. Now, the season will start 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.