Maui, Hawaii—The PGA Tour, working in conjunction with Sentry Insurance, made an historical decision regarding its current schedule on Wednesday by announcing the complete cancellation of The Sentry tournament for its 2026 season. The $20 million signature tournament typically kicking off the calendar year is now at the mercy of the continued severe drought and water use restriction issues on the island of Maui.
The announcement, delivered to players in the days leading up to the news, represents only the first cancellation of a PGA Tour event outside of the COVID pandemic since 2020.
Kapalua Unplayable
Long-time home at the Plantation Course at Kapalula Resort is no longer playable, is the key factor in cancelling the event was the golf tournament. According to The PGA Tour’s statement early September 16 that they did not feel the course would be able to host the event scheduled from 8th Jan. to 11th Jan. 2026 due to water restrictions.
Because of significant drought, Maui County has imposed strict water conservation mandates that govern the indoor and outdoor use and consumption for all residents, including those in Kapalua. Kapalua is in need of water and conservation mandates have impact Kapalua’s agronomic conditions negatively, leaving the once luscious (over flow), Plantation Course in dire conditions to be prepared to the high standards of maintenance during a regular PGA Tour event. Beyond this, the extended lead time required to secure Tour standard playing conditions would even limit chances to recover for January 2026, assuming weather improved.
Logistical Hurdles Are Too Great
With Kapalua ruled out, the PGA Tour collaborated closely with Sentry Insurance to identify a different suitable location for their signature tournament. Reports indicated that discussions included searching for a replacement course within Hawaii and possibly on the mainland.
Eventually, staging a major, limited-field tournament on short notice turned out not to be operationally viable. The Tour cited significant hurdles, including strict shipping deadlines for necessary equipment, the complicated construction of eveent infrastructure, and obtaining necessary vendor commitments—all of which were made even more difficult due to Hawaii’s remote location.
“Since it became possible that the PGA Tour might not be able to play at the Plantation Course because of the continuing drought conditions on Maui, we have worked with our partners at Sentry to explore options for playing The Sentry in 2026,” said Tyler Dennis, PGA Tour Chief Competitions Officer. “This decision is unfortunate, and we appreciate the cooperation and commitment of Sentry Insurance.”
Sony Open to Take Season-Opening Position
Following the cancellation of The Sentry, the Sony Open in Hawaii is being upraised to the season-opening spot on the 2026 PGA Tour schedule. The $8.7 million tournament remains at its traditional home, Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, from 15th January to 18th January.
With The Sentry off the schedule, the 2026 Signature Event count drops from nine to eight. The Tour addressed this by creating a “make-good” exemption for recent tournament winners who had qualified for The Sentry but were outside the FedExCup Top 50, ensuring they still get an extra Signature Event start.
Sentry Confirms Long-term Partnership
The tournament’s title sponsor, Sentry Insurance, began its partnership in 2018 and is formally contracted with the Tour until 2035.
“The Sentry is a jewel in the PGA Tour schedule, “Stephanie Smith, Chief Marketing and Brand Officer at Sentry said. “We were set on finding a way to play a signature-level event in 2026 – to honor the traditions of the tournament and the quality competition for the players and fans they look for. Unfortunately, it became impossible to do that though the Tour’s best efforts.”
Smith stressed that Sentry remains committed to its partnership with theTour and to the future of this tournament, the question about if, or when, The Sentry will return to Kapalua in 2027 is still unknown while Maui address water issues and disputes.