Unprecedented Start to 2026: The Sentry Canceled Due to Drought

In a stunning development that has reshuffled the beginning of the 2026 PGA Tour season, officials have announced the cancellation of The Sentry. The event, traditionally the season-opening showcase for the previous year's winners, was scheduled to take place at the Plantation Course at Kapalua in Maui.

The cancellation stems from severe and prolonged drought conditions impacting the region, which have rendered the course unsuitable for tournament play and raised significant water conservation concerns. With logistical challenges preventing a short-notice venue change, the Tour made the difficult decision to remove the event from this year's calendar.

Sony Open Takes Center Stage

As a result of this cancellation, the Sony Open in Hawaii has been elevated to the position of season opener. Scheduled for January 15-18, 2026, at the Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, the Sony Open will now welcome a stronger-than-usual field as players look to kick off their FedExCup campaigns.

This marks the first time in decades that the calendar year has not begun at Kapalua. The shift places immense focus on Waialae, a course known for its tight fairways and demanding doglegs, contrasting sharply with the wide, undulating challenge of the Plantation Course.

Implications for the Season

The removal of a Signature Event from the schedule has immediate implications for the FedExCup points race. The 700 points typically awarded to the winner of The Sentry will not be distributed, potentially tightening the early-season standings.

For International Team hopefuls looking to make their mark ahead of the 2026 Presidents Cup at Medinah, the delay to the start of the season means one less high-profile opportunity to earn points and catch the eye of Captain Mike Weir. All eyes now turn to Honolulu, where the 2026 season will finally get underway.