The PGA Tour has announced that the 2026 edition of The Sentry will not be held at the Plantation Course at Kapalua, on the island of Maui, due to the severe drought affecting the region and the logistical complications arising from this situation. After weeks of rumours, the PGA Tour has officially confirmed it.
More than 90% of Maui County is currently affected by severe drought conditions, which have necessitated water restrictions that directly impact the maintenance of the course. Following an inspection visit a few days ago, the Tour’s agronomy team has concluded that the course will not be able to meet the required standards for a tournament of this magnitude on the scheduled dates, from 5 to 11 January.
“After speaking with the governor’s office, Sentry Insurance, Kapalua Resort, and Maui County, we have decided that in 2026 The Sentry cannot be played at Kapalua due to the drought, water limitations, and logistical challenges,” stated the PGA Tour in a statement.
In addition to agronomic issues, the complexity of organising a tournament on such a remote island as Maui—from shipments to infrastructure installation—has weighed on the decision. The organisation assures that it will announce the new venue for the tournament at a later date.
Since 1999, Kapalua had been the home of this event, considered the start of the PGA Tour season and, from 2024, the first designated tournament of the calendar. The current champion is Hideki Matsuyama, who won in 2025 with a spectacular -35.
However, the PGA Tour maintains its other two commitments in Hawaii and they do not appear to be affected: the Sony Open, at Waialae Country Club (Oahu) and the Mitsubishi Electric Championship of the Champions Tour, at Hualalai (Big Island).
