PGA Tour Cancels Kapalua Event While Sony Open Kicks Off the Year
The PGA Tour has officially canceled the season opener, The Sentry, at Kapalua, Hawaii, marking a significant event in the tournament’s history. This decision marks the first cancellation of a PGA Tour event since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The cancellation comes as the tour resorts to not replacing the event with a different course due to ongoing drought conditions affecting Kapalua.
PGA Tour’s Canceled Event and 2026 Schedule Changes
The Sentry has been a staple of the PGA Tour since 1999, with the Plantation course at Kapalua hosting it nearly every year except for 2001. The cancellation means that the Sony Open in Honolulu will now serve as the opening tournament of the year, scheduled for January 15-18, 2026. This marks the latest start to a PGA Tour season since its inception in 1969.
Challenges at Kapalua
The closure of the two courses at Kapalua stems from severe water restrictions due to a dispute over a century-old water delivery system. This water crisis led to the courses turning from green to yellow, prompting a closure that will last at least two months. The Plantation course is set to reopen on November 10, 2025, but two of its 18 greens are still undergoing restoration.
- Date of Reopening: November 10, 2025
- Promotional Tee Time Rate: $399
Future Uncertainties
The future of the Sony Open is questionable as it enters its final year of title sponsorship. Players who did not qualify for Kapalua will be added to the field at the RBC Heritage, scheduled for the week following the Masters. This adjustment is part of the PGA Tour’s plan to address the impact of missing The Sentry.
Tadashi Yanai, the billionaire owner of Kapalua and founder of the Uniqlo brand, has filed a lawsuit against Maui Land & Pineapple Company due to allegations concerning the maintenance of the water delivery system. The company has countersued, and disputes regarding water management have led to potential fines totaling $11 million from the Commissioner on Water Resource Management in Hawaii.
Looking Forward
The PGA Tour has not ruled out the return of The Sentry to Kapalua in 2027. Ongoing challenges will determine the future of the tournament, including whether the water issues can be resolved and if the course will be playable. Stephanie Smith, Sentry’s chief marketing officer, has expressed a strong commitment to ensuring The Sentry remains a significant event in upcoming years.
- Last Time The Sentry was Canceled: 2026
- Next Event after The Sentry Cancellation: Sony Open, January 15-18, 2026
- PGA Tour Formation Year: 1969
As the PGA Tour navigates these unprecedented conditions, it remains to be seen how these events will shape the schedule and landscape of professional golf in Hawaii and beyond.
