PGA Tour Cancels 2026 Season-Opening Tournament The Sentry

The PGA Tour has officially cancelled its season-opening tournament, The Sentry, due to severe drought and water conservation challenges on the Hawaiian island of Maui. The tournament, which has been held annually since 1999, will be replaced by the Sony Open in Honolulu, scheduled for January 15-18, 2026. This postponement marks the latest start to a PGA Tour season since its inception in 1969.

The Plantation Course in Kapalua, which has hosted The Sentry for over two decades, is facing significant operational difficulties. Two of its courses have closed due to strict water restrictions resulting from a dispute with the company managing an antiquated water delivery system.

In a statement, the PGA Tour noted that it explored alternative venues in Hawaii and beyond but ultimately decided against holding The Sentry due to logistical challenges, including shipping deadlines, tournament infrastructure, and vendor support.

Stephanie Smith, the Chief Marketing and Brand Officer at Sentry, expressed disappointment over the cancellation. “I am really proud of what The Sentry has become. I didn’t want 2026 to be any less,” she stated. Smith emphasized that the aim was to maintain the tournament’s prestige and uniqueness, stating, “I wanted Sentry to remain the jewel that it is. When that couldn’t come together, I felt we didn’t have a choice.”

This cancellation marks the first time a PGA Tour event has been called off since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The Sentry has traditionally been the first event on the PGA Tour calendar, with the exception of 2001, when the season commenced in Australia with a World Golf Championship.

The PGA Tour remains committed to reinstating The Sentry in the future, although Smith acknowledged that numerous factors complicate the event’s return.

In the last tournament held in January 2025, Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama achieved a PGA Tour 72-hole record of 35 under par, securing a victory over Collin Morikawa by three strokes.

Fans can look forward to the Sony Open in Hawaii, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports during its scheduled dates. The PGA Tour continues to navigate these challenges while prioritizing the quality and integrity of its events in the face of environmental constraints.