PGA Tour makes "unfortunate decision" to remove The Sentry from 2026 schedule
The PGA Tour has removed The Sentry from the 2026 schedule, meaning the Sony Open will become the season-opening tournament in Hawaii.
The PGA Tour has confirmed The Sentry will not be played in 2026, ending its long-standing run as the season-opening event in Hawaii.
The decision follows severe drought conditions and water conservation measures on the island of Maui, which have made it impossible to prepare the Plantation Course at Kapalua to PGA Tour standards.
The event, traditionally held in early January, has opened the PGA Tour calendar for most of the past three decades and is widely regarded as one of golf’s most scenic and relaxed tournaments.
PGA Tour officials said they had explored every option — including potential alternative venues both in Hawaii and on the US mainland — but ultimately found it "logistically impossible" to relocate the event.
"Since it first became a possibility that the Tour would not be able to play at Kapalua due to the ongoing drought, we worked closely with Sentry to explore options," said Tyler Dennis, the PGA Tour's Chief Competitions Officer.
"While it’s unfortunate to arrive at this decision, we’re grateful for Sentry’s partnership and understanding."
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The Sony Open in Hawaii, held at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu from 12-18 January 12–18 will now serve as the 2026 season-opening event.
The 2026 Sentry was set to feature the top 50 players from the 2025 FedExCup standings, plus any winners from the 2025 season.
Those players inside the top 50 will remain eligible for all Signature Events next year, while 2025 winners outside that group will now gain entry to an additional Signature Event — the RBC Heritage in April.
Because The Sentry will not be contested in 2026, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am will be the season’s first Signature Event.
There will now be just eight Signature Events on the 2026 PGA Tour schedule as opposed to an initial nine.
Hideki Matsuyama set a new tournament record of 35-under par at The Sentry in 2024.
2026 PGA Tour Signature Event schedule
Date | Tournament |
Feb 9-15 | AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am |
Feb 16-22 | The Genesis Invitational |
Mar 2-8 | Arnold Palmer Inivitational presented by Mastercard |
Apr 13-19 | RBC Heritage |
Apr 27-May 3 | Miami Championship |
May 4-10 | Truist Championship |
June 1-7 | the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday |
June 22-28 | Travelers Championship |
Despite the cancellation, the PGA Tour will maintain its Hawaiian presence in 2026 with two events: the Sony Open on Oahu and the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualālai (Jan 22–24) on the PGA Tour Champions schedule.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green supported the PGA Tour's decision, praising its "responsible approach" in light of the island’s environmental challenges.
Sentry Insurance, which sponsors the event through 2035, said it remains committed to bringing The Sentry back when conditions allow.
"The Sentry is a jewel in the PGA Tour schedule," said Stephanie Smith, Sentry’s Chief Marketing Officer.
"If we can’t stage it to the standard it deserves, it’s right to pause and return stronger."
The Sentry’s absence in 2026 will be felt, but its spirit — and its spectacular Kapalua setting — will be waiting when the PGA Tour returns to Maui.
Andy Roberts first joined GolfMagic on a month's work experience back in April 2011.
Andy then assumed the role of GolfMagic Editor in 2015.
