PGA Tour forced to take unwanted action and change | Golf News

The PGA Tour’s season opener, The Sentry, has been formally cancelled due to drought situations on the island of Maui. Last month, it was announced that Kapalua’s Plantation Course wouldn’t have the ability to host the event.

Efforts to discover a new venue for the event have been unsuccessful. As a consequence, the 2026 PGA Tour season will now kick off with the Sony Open. This news was relayed to gamers and other qualifying rivals on Wednesday.

Originally scheduled for Jan. 8-11 at the beautiful Kapalua Plantation Course, The Sentry had to be called off due to environmental considerations and the continuing drought. It comes after a golf star laid naked the true price of his PGA Tour dream after US Open qualification. 

Water provide was a major issue. The official announcement read: “Following discussions with the Governor’s office, as well as leadership from Sentry Insurance, Kapalua Resort and Maui County, the PGA TOUR has determined the 2026 playing of The Sentry will not be contested at The Plantation Course at Kapalua due to ongoing drought conditions, water conservation requirements, agronomic conditions and logistical challenges,” according to a assertion from the TOUR

This resolution marks the end of a 27-year custom of internet hosting the event in Maui. Since 1999, The Plantation Course has been the positioning of The Sentry and has historically served as the calendar yr opener for the Tour, attracting winners from the earlier season and many top-ranked gamers.

The 2026 PGA Tour will now kick off on Jan. 15 at a non-signature event. The Sony is held in Hawaii at Waialae Country Club, and Maui County is dealing with some of its worst drought in a long time, with water restrictions imposed across the island.

The Kapalua Resort announced a 60-day closure of both its Plantation and Bay programs starting in September to shield course situations and comply with local conservation measures.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green backed the choice, emphasizing the state’s priorities.

“We support the PGA TOUR’s decision, given the drought conditions Maui is facing. Protecting our water and supporting our communities come first. The Sentry has long showcased Maui’s beauty while giving back to local nonprofits, and we’re grateful to the TOUR, Sentry Insurance, Kapalua Resort and Maui County for their partnership,” said Green.

The title sponsor, Sentry Insurance, also expressed help.

“We understand and support the PGA TOUR’s decision, given the challenges related to the ongoing drought,” said Chief Marketing and Brand Officer Stephanie Smith.

“We love Maui and the people who make the community such a special place. As we’ve said for years, Maui is a Sentry community not unlike our hometown of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and that remains the case. Our communities are connected. We’ve built meaningful friendships throughout the island, and those relationships are bigger than the tournament,” The 2026 PGA Tour has been revamped to embody eight signature occasions, down from 9. The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February will kick off the sequence of marquee tournaments.