A bold, illustrated thumbnail capturing the iconic Kapalua coastline in Maui, highlighting the PGA Tour’s 2026 Sentry cancellation due to drought — a visual blend of golf tradition and breaking sports news.
Breaking • Golf News
PGA Tour Cancels The Sentry (2026): Why Maui Drought Forced the Season-Opener Off the Calendar
Lead: The PGA Tour has announced that The Sentry — the traditional season-opening event — will not be contested in 2026 after organizers were unable to secure an alternative venue following drought-driven restrictions at Kapalua on Maui. The decision pushes back the Tour's season start: the Sony Open in Honolulu will now kick off the 2026 calendar.
Thumbnail: PGA Tour Cancels The Sentry 2026 — A creative illustration inspired by Maui’s Kapalua coastline.
What happened
The PGA Tour announced on Wednesday that The Sentry — scheduled for Jan. 8–11, 2026 at the Plantation Course at Kapalua — will not be contested in 2026 after a search for alternative venues proved unworkable. The Tour assessed options both in Hawaii and on the mainland but ultimately cited logistical obstacles that made staging the event infeasible.
Why it was canceled
Officials pointed to a confluence of factors: severe drought conditions across Maui that led to water-conservation mandates, agronomic challenges at Kapalua’s Plantation Course, and timeline constraints for shipping infrastructure, tents, and vendor operations needed to stage a high-profile event. Even potential alternate courses could not be readied in time.
“While it is unfortunate to arrive at this decision, we are appreciative of the collaboration and dedication from Sentry Insurance,” said Tyler Dennis of the PGA Tour. “After assessing a variety of options, the logistical challenges left us unable to stage The Sentry from January 8–11.”
Official statement & reaction
The PGA Tour released a statement explaining the circumstances and thanking Sentry Insurance for their partnership throughout the decision process. In part, the Tour said it evaluated alternate sites both inside and outside Hawaii but concluded they could not meet tournament infrastructure and vendor requirements in time.
Local officials in Hawaii had previously emphasized water conservation as a priority, a position that factored heavily into the Tour’s earlier decision not to play at Kapalua. Reactions from players ranged from disappointment to understanding, with several emphasizing the seriousness of the environmental context.
Impact & implications
- Season schedule: The Sony Open at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu will now serve as the 2026 season opener (Jan. 15–18).
- Field composition: The Sentry typically gathers winners and top finishers — its absence reshuffles early-season appearance dynamics for top players and sponsors.
- Sponsor & economic impact: Sentry Insurance and local economies in Maui lose a marquee week of tourism and media attention, and organizers will have to manage contractual and community considerations.
Timeline & next steps
- Sept 2025: PGA Tour announced The Sentry would not be played at Kapalua due to drought.
- Oct 22, 2025: PGA Tour announced The Sentry will not be contested in 2026 after exploring alternatives.
- Immediate: Tour confirms Sony Open (Jan. 15–18) will open the 2026 season.
- Future: The Tour, Sentry, and local partners will evaluate potential return options for The Sentry in future seasons, contingent on local conditions and logistical feasibility.
Fan FAQ
- Why did the PGA Tour cancel The Sentry?
- The Tour said drought-driven water conservation at Kapalua and logistical limits for relocating the event in time made it impossible to stage the tournament safely and to its standards.
- Does this mean the PGA Tour won't play in Hawaii?
- No — the Sony Open in Honolulu will open the 2026 season (Jan. 15–18), ensuring the Tour still starts in Hawaii.
- What happens to players who would normally play The Sentry?
- Players who qualify for The Sentry will have their early-season schedules adjusted; the Tour will communicate selection and appearance logistics to affected players and sponsors.
Sources & further reading
Last Tournament Highlights
Watch key moments and top shots from the last Sentry Tournament as the PGA Tour reflects on its Maui legacy:
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