The Sentry, a major PGA TOUR event, will not be held at The Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort in Maui for its 2026 tournament. This decision, announced by the PGA TOUR on September 16, comes as Maui faces severe drought conditions and ongoing water restrictions. It marks the first time in over two decades that the tournament will not take place on the island.
The Sentry, also known as the Tournament of Champions, has been a fixture in Maui since 1999, traditionally kicking off the PGA TOUR season in the first week of January. Its departure is a significant development for the island's economy and local non-profit organizations that have benefited from the event for years.
Key Takeaways
- The Sentry golf tournament will not be held in Maui in 2026.
- Ongoing drought, water restrictions, and logistical issues are the main reasons.
- This is the first time in over 20 years the event will not be on Maui.
- The tournament has significantly contributed to Maui's economy and non-profits.
- Efforts are underway to bring the tournament back to Kapalua by 2027.
Drought Conditions Force Tournament Relocation
Maui County is currently under strict water restrictions. These measures require both residents and commercial properties in affected areas to limit their water usage. The PGA TOUR stated that these limitations make it impossible to prepare the golf course to its required standards. Maintaining a championship-level course demands substantial water, which is not available under current conditions.
In a statement, the PGA TOUR explained its decision. "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," the statement read.
Fact: Sentry's Economic Impact
In the past year alone, tournament officials reported that $747,704 was contributed back into the Maui community through the event.
Logistical Challenges Beyond Water
Beyond water scarcity, the PGA TOUR also cited other difficulties. These include challenges in shipping necessary equipment to Maui and coordinating various vendors. These factors combined to create an environment unsuitable for hosting a major professional golf event.
Context: Maui's Water Crisis
Maui has experienced prolonged periods of drought, intensified by climate change. Water conservation has become a critical issue for the island, impacting agriculture, tourism, and daily life for residents. The restrictions are designed to protect vital water resources.
Impact on Maui's Economy and Non-Profits
The Sentry has historically been more than just a golf tournament for Maui. It has served as a significant economic driver and a consistent supporter of local charities. The event's absence will create a void for many organizations.
"There’s been a lot of talk about this over the last couple weeks, and obviously it was pretty devastating for us," said Wesley Lo, CEO of Hale Makua Health Services. "We’ll continue to persevere and work with our community and look for other opportunities, and we’ll always be here no matter what. We have no choice, right?"
Hale Makua, an organization providing critical care for Maui's elders (kupuna), has received substantial support from The Sentry. Over the past 23 years, the tournament has donated $1.5 million to Hale Makua. The loss of this funding stream will require the organization to seek alternative support.
Maui United Way, designated as a Sentry Connected Community, confirmed that Sentry Insurance's commitment and support would continue despite the tournament's pause in West Maui. However, they expressed hope that the community would step up to fill any gaps, as it has done during previous challenges.
"This is just another opportunity, I think, for our community to rise up, and for the 95% that we all have in common, and the best wishes for the community, and ensuring that the investments that we make are really intentional moving forward," stated Jeeyun Lee, Interim CEO for Maui United Way.
State Officials and Kapalua Resort Respond
Hawaii Governor Josh Green acknowledged the difficult decision. He emphasized that protecting water resources and supporting local communities are top priorities.
"We support the PGA TOUR’s decision, given the drought conditions Maui is facing," Governor Green said. "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."
Alex Nakajima, General Manager of Kapalua, expressed disappointment, learning of the PGA's announcement only minutes before it became public. He highlighted the impact on golf course employees and local businesses in West Maui.
"They have done everything they can to save the tournament and also minimize the damage during the water restriction. So we all worked extremely hard and long. So it’s a major disappointment, and I feel sorry for the business that touches West Maui, because this is the economic blow to everyone so very sad by that," Nakajima said.
Future of The Sentry and Other Hawaii Tournaments
Despite The Sentry's relocation, other PGA TOUR events in Hawaii will proceed as planned for 2026. The Sony Open will take place on Oʻahu at the Waialae Country Club. The PGA TOUR Champions’ Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai will be played on Hawaiʻi Island at the Hualalai Golf Club.
Kapalua's owners, TY Management, issued a statement acknowledging the economic blow to Maui. They affirmed their commitment to finding long-term water solutions for West Maui and restoring the golf courses. Their goal is to ensure the return of world-class golf to Kapalua.
Nakajima stated that efforts to revitalize The Plantation Course are already underway. "Our efforts to recover the golf course are already starting with the little water that we have currently. We have implemented many programs to revive the golf course and the greens to a playable condition, and we expect the course will be good enough to host another tournament in the following year, 2027," he confirmed.
The current location for the 2026 Sentry tournament remains unknown. State officials, including DBEDT Director James Tokioka, indicated they would work to find a temporary host location within Hawaii. The long-term goal is to bring the tournament back to Maui once conditions improve and water resiliency measures are in place.
