PGA Tour Cancels 2026 Sentry Tournament Due to Water Issues

KAUPULEHU-KONA, Hawaii — The PGA Tour has officially canceled the 2026 edition of The Sentry tournament, which was set to take place at the Kapalua Resort on Maui. This decision marks the first tournament cancellation since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Originally scheduled for January 5-8, The Sentry will not be replaced by another course due to ongoing water restrictions affecting the Kapalua courses. In a statement, the tour announced that the Sony Open in Honolulu will kick off the 2026 season from January 15-18, making it the latest season start since the PGA Tour began in 1969.

Stephanie Smith, chief marketing and brand officer at Sentry Insurance, expressed her disappointment. “I am really proud of what The Sentry has become; I didn’t want 2026 to be any less,” she said. “We didn’t want it to be just ‘find a place for it in the schedule.’ I wanted Sentry to remain the jewel that it is.”

The Plantation Course at Kapalua has been a staple for The Sentry since 1999, but drought conditions have severely impacted its maintenance, leading to its temporary closure. A dispute with the water delivery company has further complicated matters. As a result, the PGA Tour opted not to play the tournament rather than finding a temporary venue.

The course is expected to reopen on November 10, with Smith indicating the restoration of greens is still in progress. Meanwhile, players who qualified for The Sentry through their wins will instead compete in the RBC Heritage following the Masters.

Tyler Dennis, the PGA Tour’s chief competitions officer, acknowledged the collaborative efforts with Sentry Insurance. “While it is unfortunate to arrive at this decision, we are appreciative of the collaboration and dedication from Sentry Insurance, a tremendous partner of ours,” he said.

Looking ahead, the future of The Sentry at Kapalua remains uncertain. Smith confirmed their commitment to return to the venue, stating, “There are so many factors in play right now,” hinting at the unresolved water issues and pending lawsuits affecting the situation.