The PGA Tour announced Tuesday that its season-opening signature event, The Sentry, will not be held at Kapalua Resort’s Plantation Course in Maui for 2026 due to drought conditions, water restrictions, and resulting agronomic and logistical hurdles.
The tournament, scheduled for January 8-11, marks the first time since 1999 that the calendar-year kickoff won’t grace the iconic Hawaiian layout, which has hosted the event nearly every year except for a 2001 Australian detour.
“Following discussions with the Governor’s office, as well as leadership from Sentry Insurance, Kapalua Resort and Maui County, the PGA Tour has determined 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,” the Tour stated.
Kapalua shut down both its courses for at least 60 days starting September 2 after irrigation was cut off since late July, amid a dispute over a century-old water system and Maui County’s Tier 2 restrictions slashing normal water use by 40 percent.
The Plantation Course, unwatered since August 29, now features yellowed fairways and dying greens, raising doubts about recovery in time for the $20 million purse event that invites 2025 winners and top-50 FedExCup finishers.
Logistical issues, including shipping deadlines and infrastructure build-out, sealed the decision after a Tour agronomy site visit earlier this month. Hawaii Governor Josh Green endorsed the move: “Protecting our water and supporting our communities come first.”
The Tour is evaluating relocation options, potentially staying in Hawaii — such as combining with the Sony Open in Honolulu — or shifting to California or Florida sites like past venues La Costa or the newly added Trump Doral in April.
Details will follow as the 2026 schedule solidifies, ensuring the season still launches with star power despite the setback.
