The PGA Tour has announced that its 2026 season-opening event, the Sentry, is moving from Maui. The event is one of the PGA Tour’s nine $20 million signature events and will no longer take place at Kapalua’s Plantation Course in early January as originally scheduled
Kapalua Won’t Recover In Time For Sentry Tournament
The decision to drop Kapalua for the 2026 Sentry Tournament comes after severe drought conditions on the island of Maui led to restrictions on water usage. Limited irrigation prevented organizers from preparing the Plantation Course to the standards needed to host one of golf’s most high-profile tournaments. The PGA Tour confirmed that agronomic conditions at the course had declined, making it difficult to guarantee fair playing surfaces and a safe competition.
“Following discussions with the Governor’s office, as well as leadership from Sentry Insurance, Kapalua Resort, and Maui County, the PGA TOUR has determined that the 2026 playing of The Sentry will not be contested at The Plantation Course at Kapalua due to ongoing drought conditions, water conservation requirements, agronomic conditions, and logistical challenges. Additional event information will be shared when appropriate,” the PGA TOUR said in a statement.
18 at Kapalua playing firmer and faster than usual due to drought conditions.
How far could the average X user drive it on this hole?pic.twitter.com/lfRZr1BM4O
— Brock 💣 (@Golfingbrock) September 16, 2025
Tour officials said it was not feasible to expect the course to recover in time, especially with the local government prioritizing community water needs over course maintenance. The PGA Tour said it will provide additional details about the 2026 Sentry Tournament as soon as they become available.
Smith and Green Back PGA Tour’s Decision
The loss of the tournament in 2026 will be a blow to local businesses, resorts, and non-profits. Each year, The Sentry directs its proceeds to Maui charities, supporting schools, hospitals, and community programs. Tournament organizers acknowledged that stepping away, even temporarily, will hurt, but they said the circumstances made the decision unavoidable.
Officials from Hawaii and Maui County backed the move, stressing that communities must prioritize water for essential use. Stephanie Smith, Sentry Insurance’s chief marketing and brand officer and chief golf partnership officer, said, ‘We support the PGA TOUR’s decision given the drought conditions Maui is facing.’ Hawaii Governor Josh Green also voiced his support, emphasizing that protecting the state’s water and supporting local communities comes first.
The Sentry has called Kapalua home for more than two decades, and the course draws worldwide recognition for its dramatic views and wide fairways. It has become a popular stop for players and fans alike, often serving as the stage for champions to begin the season in Hawaii. However, the worsening drought left organizers with few choices.
Main Photo Credit: © Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
