Hideki Matsuyama of Japan secured victory at The Sentry in 2025.
The PGA Tour has announced that The Sentry, its season-opening event, will be relocated due to severe drought conditions in Hawaii that have rendered the host course unplayable.
The tournament, traditionally held in January, takes place at the Plantation Course at Kapalua, situated on the Island of Maui.
However, persistent drought conditions in the region have necessitated the implementation of strict water conservation measures, affecting Kapalua as well.
Following a site visit this month, Tour officials determined that the course was “significantly compromised” and would not be in suitable condition for play by January, even if water restrictions are eased in the coming months.
“We endorse the PGA Tour’s decision, given the challenging drought conditions Maui is currently experiencing,” stated Hawaii Governor Josh Green. “Our priority is protecting our water resources and supporting our communities.”
The Sentry, which moved from California to Maui in 1999, served as the PGA Tour’s season opener from 1986 to 2013 before reassuming that role in 2024, coinciding with the Tour’s return to a calendar-year schedule.
As the season’s inaugural signature event, the tournament showcases the top 50 players from the preceding year’s FedExCup standings, in addition to winners of PGA Tour events from the previous year.