After exploring various alternatives, the PGA Tour announced Wednesday that The Sentry tournament will not be played in 2026, making the Sony Open in Hawaii the first event on next year’s schedule.
Due to water restrictions related to drought conditions on Maui, the tour announced in September that the Plantation Course at Kapalua would not be able to host the traditional season-opening event. After considering other potential sites for the tournament, the decision was made to not play the event in 2026.
“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,” said Tyler Dennis, chief competitions officer for the tour. “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.”
The signature event, which features the top 50 players from the FedEx Cup standings along with other tournament winners from the previous year, is among the most recognizable events on the tour schedule.
The Plantation Course is one of the most spectacular settings in golf but water restrictions related to a dispute between Kapalua Resort and Maui Land & Pineapple created a challenge to course conditions that the tour determined could not be overcome in time for the January event. Additionally, there were logistical challenges related to potentially moving the event.
Earlier this year, the tour moved the Genesis Invitational from Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades to Torrey Pines outside San Diego due to wildfires in the Los Angeles area. In that case, there was already a tournament buildout at Torrey Pines for the Farmers Insurance Open, making the one-year change of venue easier.
“We were determined to find a way to play a signature-level event in 2026 – one that honored the tournament’s tradition and provided the quality of competition that players and fans have come to expect. Despite the tour’s best efforts, it became impossible to do that,” said Stephanie Smith, chief marketing and brand officer for Sentry.
“Sentry is committed to our long-term relationship with the tour – which runs through 2035 – and The Sentry’s place as a prominent event. While 2026 will not turn out as we would have liked, we’re optimistic about the future.”
“Though we’re disappointed The Sentry will not be contested in 2026, we are excited that the beauty and aloha spirit of the islands will be showcased to fans around the world at the Sony Open in Hawaii and with the PGA Tour Champions event at Hualalai.” – Hawaii Gov. Josh Green
As a result of the cancellation, the tour season will begin Jan. 15-18 at the Sony Open in Hawaii at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu.
Despite the absence of the Kapalua event, the PGA Tour will have two stops in Hawaii with the Sony event and the Mitsubishi Electric Championship on PGA Tour Champions at Hualalai.
“We are appreciative of the PGA Tour’s thorough effort and communication throughout this process,” said Hawaii governor Josh Green. “Though we’re disappointed The Sentry will not be contested in 2026, we are excited that the beauty and aloha spirit of the islands will be showcased to fans around the world at the Sony Open in Hawaii and with the PGA Tour Champions event at Hualalai. On behalf of our communities, we are grateful to Sentry Insurance for their continued support and partnership.”
In the aftermath of the 2023 wildfires on Maui, Sentry Insurance’s foundation has donated more than $3 million to the recovery efforts on the island.
As a result of the cancellation of The Sentry, the eligible players who were not otherwise qualified for the RBC Heritage, another signature event, will be added to the field at Harbour Town Golf Links in April.