PGA Tour Scraps 2026 Season Opener: The Sentry Tournament

The PGA Tour has officially announced the cancellation of its 2026 season opener, The Sentry Tournament, initially set for January 8-11. This prestigious event was slated to take place at the renowned Plantation Course in Kapalua, Maui, a venue synonymous with the tournament since 1999. Unfortunately, ongoing drought conditions on the island have rendered it unsafe to host the event while protecting local water resources.

Initially, there was speculation that the tournament might be relocated, as the PGA Tour hinted at further updates regarding its status. However, despite concerted efforts to find an alternative venue, logistical challenges, sponsor expectations, and course availability during peak tourism proved to be insurmountable obstacles.

The decision to cancel was made collaboratively with Sentry Insurance and Hawaii's Governor Josh Green, underlining a commitment to the well-being of the local community and its water supply. Tyler Dennis, the PGA Tour's Chief Competitions Officer, expressed regret over the decision but recognized the importance of their partners' cooperation.

The cancellation means that the PGA Tour will now kick off its season on January 15 with the Sony Open at Waialae Country Club, which is a non-signature event. Earlier this year, the PGA Tour’s Genesis Invitational had to change venues due to wildfires in Los Angeles, moving successfully to Torrey Pines in San Diego.

While the long-term future of The Sentry remains uncertain, the tournament is under contract with the PGA Tour through 2035. Historically seen as a highlight of the golfing calendar, it typically features top PGA winners and the leading 50 finishers from the FedEx Cup. Hideki Matsuyama is the reigning champion of the event.

In light of this cancellation, players who did not secure a top 50 position in the FedEx Cup yet emerged victorious in 2025 will have the opportunity to participate in the RBC Heritage, an important signature event scheduled for April. The revised 2026 PGA Tour calendar will include eight signature events instead of the previous nine, with the new Miami Championship at Trump National Doral's Blue Monster course debuting in late April. The season's first signature event is set to be the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February's second week.

The Sentry Tournament has held a special place in fans' hearts, offering live coverage in primetime on the East Coast and showcasing its stunning tropical location at a time when many golfers in other regions contend with winter weather. Its cancellation highlights the PGA Tour's dedication to environmental sustainability while ensuring players still have competitive avenues in the upcoming 2026 season.