AAfter exploring several 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 the drought on Maui, the tour announced in September that the Plantation Course at Kapalua would be unable to host the traditional season-opening event. After considering other possible locations for the tournament, it was decided not to play the event in 2026.
“As it first became a possibility that the PGA Tour would not be able to host the Plantation Course at Kapalua due to the ongoing drought on Maui, we worked closely with our partners at Sentry to assess the options for joining The Sentry in 2026,” said Tyler Dennis, Chief Competitions Officer for the tour. “While it is unfortunate to have to make this decision, we appreciate the cooperation and dedication of Sentry Insurance, a great 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 one of the most recognizable events on the tour schedule.
The Plantation Course is one of golf’s most spectacular courses, but water restrictions related to a dispute between Kapalua Resort and Maui Land & Pineapple created a challenge for course conditions that the tour said could not be overcome in time for the January event. In addition, there were logistical challenges associated with the possible relocation of 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 setup 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 tradition of the tournament 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, Sentry’s chief marketing and brand officer.
“Sentry is committed to our long-term relationship with the tour – which runs until 2035 – and The Sentry’s place as a premier event. While 2026 will not go as we would have liked, we are optimistic about the future.”
“While we are disappointed that 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 in Hualalai.” – Hawaii Governor 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 at PGA Tour Champions in Hualalai.
“We are grateful for the PGA Tour’s thorough efforts and communication during this process,” said Hawaii Governor Josh Green. “While we are disappointed that 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 in Hualalai. On behalf of our communities, we are grateful to Sentry Insurance for their continued support and partnership.”
In the wake of the 2023 Maui wildfires, the Sentry Insurance foundation donated more than $3 million to recovery efforts on the island.
As a result of The Sentry’s cancellation, eligible players who were not otherwise qualified for the RBC Heritage, another signature event, will be added to the field at Harbor Town Golf Links in April.
© 2025 Global Golf Post LLC
#PGA #Tour #cancels #Sentry #tournament