Drought in Hawaii: PGA Tour postpones start of 2026 season
The ongoing drought on Maui has forced the PGA Tour to postpone its tournament The Sentry. The course in Kapalua is no longer playable.
The PGA Tour will not host its traditional season-opening tournament, The Sentry, at the Plantation Course in Kapalua, Maui, in January 2026. The decision, the first in nearly 30 years to move the event from the Pacific island, was made due to the ongoing drought and associated water conservation measures.
Why the PGA Tour is moving its season opener
The main reason for moving the tournament is the catastrophic drought affecting over 90 percent of the island of Maui. Strict water conservation measures have been introduced to protect the local population. These restrictions massively affect the maintenance of the golf course, which is why a team of experts from the PGA Tour determined during an on-site visit in September that the Plantation Course no longer meets the requirements of a professional tournament.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green reiterated the decision and emphasized the priority of water supply for the population: "We support the PGA Tour's decision, given the drought Maui is facing. Protecting our water and supporting our communities is a top priority."
In addition to the poor condition of the course, logistical challenges also play a role. Due to the remote location of the island and the lead time required to transport equipment and set up infrastructure, the PGA Tour could not guarantee the quality of the event.
After decades at Kapalua, the 2026 Sentry PGA Tour Tournament has been canceled. Officials say water limits left the course unplayable. The announcement comes amid a legal dispute over the Honokōhau ditch system.
- Aloha State Daily (@alohastatedaily) September 18, 2025
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What the relocation means for the PGA Tour
The Sentry is more than just a season-opening tournament. It is the first of nine signature events on the PGA Tour in 2026. With a prize purse of $20 million, the event attracts the best players, including all of last year's tournament winners and the top 50 in the FedExCup rankings.
The PGA Tour has not yet announced a replacement venue for the tournament. According to media reports, a venue on the west coast of the USA could be chosen to simplify the logistics of subsequent tournaments.
Other tournaments in Hawaii are not affected
The all-clear has been given for the other major golf events in Hawaii. The Sony Open on Oahu and the Mitsubishi Electric Championship on the main island will take place as planned. Nevertheless, the postponement of The Sentry marks a significant break in the Traditions of the PGA Tour and underlines the massive impact of climate change on professional golf.
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Release date
06 Oct 2025
photos
This is how beautiful the Plantation Course looked last January. Now the PGA Tour has to postpone the season opener. (Photo Imago / Imagn Images)
