Sentry Tournament to Move from Kapalua Resort by 2026
News Summary
The Sentry Tournament, a main event on the PGA Tour, is set to leave its long-time home at Kapalua Resort in Hawaii due to ongoing drought and water disputes. Organizers face challenges in securing a new venue as the tournament approaches in just 85 days. With the PGA Tour confirming the relocation, the future of this iconic golf event now hangs in the balance, as organizers search for alternatives amid declining opportunities in Hawaii.
Big Changes Ahead for the Sentry Tournament
Golf fans are buzzing with news about the Sentry Tournament, a staple of the PGA Tour calendar. It seems that we might be waving goodbye to its long-time home at the stunning Kapalua Resort in Hawaii starting in 2026. The reason? Ongoing watering problems that have been exacerbated by alarming drought conditions and a frustrating water dispute with local authorities.
Aloha to an Iconic Venue
The Sentry, once fondly known as the Tournament of Champions, has graced the beautiful Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort since 1999. Talk about a tradition! Each year, this event invites PGA Tour winners from the previous year, alongside top contenders from the FedEx Cup standings, making it a significant showcase with a whopping $20 million prize purse.
The Clock is Ticking
Finding a New Home
As of September 17, the PGA Tour announced that they will not be holding the Sentry tournament at Kapalua going forward after 2026. The mission is now on to find a temporary location to host the event, but that comes with its own set of challenges. The hope is to have a plan in place not only for the Sentry tournament but also for the Sony Open, which is scheduled just one week later. Both challenge and opportunity abound!
Learning from the Past
History tells us that relocations can happen in a pinch. A prime example would be last year’s Genesis Invitational, which had to shift from Los Angeles to San Diego quite suddenly due to wildfires looming over Riviera Country Club. If it could be done then, perhaps it can happen again? However, with the unique circumstances surrounding Hawaii, this one feels especially complicated.