The PGA TOUR have confirmed the cancellation of the opening event of the 2026 season, The Sentry, due to ongoing drought and water conservations issues and failing to find a suitable replacement venue.
Officials from the PGA TOUR previously revealed that the conditions of the course on the island of Maui were “significantly compromised” as a result of water restrictions in place because of drought conditions but have now confirmed that “having assessed alternate venues in Hawaii and beyond”, it would not be able to have the event take place due to “logistical challenges — including shipping deadlines, tournament infrastructure and vendor support.”
A $20 million signature event on the PGA TOUR, the tournament has been a recognizable event on the professional men’s golf schedule having been the season opener between 1986 and 2013 and then once more in 2024.
It sees a field of the top 50 players from the previous year’s FedExCup standings in addition to event winners from PGA TOUR events the previous year.
PGA TOUR Chief Competitions Officer Tyler Dennis said: “Since it first became a possibility that the PGA TOUR would not be able to play at The Plantation Course at Kapalua due to the ongoing drought conditions on Maui, we worked closely with our partners at Sentry to assess options for contesting The Sentry in 2026.
“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.”
Chief marketing and brand officer at Sentry, Stephanie Smith, added: “I am really proud of what The Sentry has become. I didn’t want 2026 to be any less.
“We didn’t want it to be just, ‘Find a place for it in the schedule,’ or ‘Find a course for it that could host it.’
“I wanted Sentry to remain the jewel that it is. I wanted it to be special. When that couldn’t come together, I felt we didn’t have a choice.
“This is not the outcome we wanted, but unfortunately, it’s where we are.”
The 2026 PGA TOUR season will now tee off with the Sony Open, taking place between 15-18 January at the Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, Hawaii.