The PGA Tour Moves From Kapalua in Hawaii Due to Drought
The PGA Tour has announced that it will not hold The Sentry tournament at the Kapalua Resort in Hawaii for its season-opening event. The decision is due to severe drought conditions and water-related disputes that have affected the golf course. Since 1999, with the exception of 2001, the tournament has been held at the Plantation Course at Kapalua. The current situation, which includes unfavorable agronomic conditions and logistical challenges, has made it unfeasible to hold the event in January. The PGA Tour is seeking a new location and date for The Sentry, a renowned event with a $20 million prize purse that brings together the 2025 PGA Tour winners and the top 50 in the FedEx Cup. It was originally scheduled to take place from January 8th to 11th. The decision will not affect the Sony Open in Oahu, which will be played the following week.The situation in Maui, where 140,000 people reside, has been a crucial factor. Water conservation restrictions prioritize the island’s needs.The PGA Tour has determined that the 2026 edition of The Sentry will not be played at the Plantation Course at Kapalua due to ongoing drought conditions, water conservation requirements, agronomic conditions, and logistical challenges.
PGA Tour Statement
The tournament has an estimated economic impact of $50 million in the area, according to Kapalua officials. Sentry Insurance, the main sponsor until 2035, has supported the decision given the circumstances. Stephanie Smith, an executive at Sentry, highlighted the company’s connection to the Maui community. The water dispute involves accusations against Maui Land & Pineapple (MLP) for not maintaining the canal system that supplies water to Kapalua. It is alleged that this lack of maintenance has affected the water supply. Tadashi Yanai, owner of Kapalua and founder of Uniqlo, along with owners and farmers, filed a lawsuit against MLP on August 18. MLP claims to have carried out repairs as indicated by the Water Resources Management Commission, and that its actions comply with the agreements. The Kapalua Resort closed the Plantation course on September 2, but was affected by new irrigation restrictions. The Bay course will also close indefinitely to conserve water for the Plantation. In recent weeks, both sides have exchanged accusations. MLP alleged that Kapalua used more than a million gallons of water daily for two days, leading to stricter restrictions. On the other hand, TY Management, Yanai’s company, assures that Kapalua has followed all mandates and that water usage is based on science. The PGA Tour has been in Kapalua since 1982, with an unofficial event on the Bay course and, since 1991, on the Plantation, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. The PGA Tour Champions has its season-opening event on Big Island from January 23-25, while the LPGA usually visits Hawaiʻi in early October. The next step is to define the new location and date of the tournament. The PGA Tour has added Trump Doral near Miami to the 2026 calendar in April, although a sponsor for that tournament has not yet been announced.We support the PGA Tour’s decision, given the drought conditions facing Maui. Protecting our water and supporting our communities comes first. The Sentry has long showcased the beauty of Maui and has contributed to local non-profit organizations.
Josh Green, Governor of Hawaii
