The PGA TOUR has confirmed that The Sentry will not be contested in 2026 after drought, water rules, and tight build timelines made a move off Kapalua unavoidable.
The season will now open at the Sony Open in Hawai‘i (Jan 12–18) at Waialae, and winners who would’ve earned a Sentry start from outside the FedExCup Top 50 will get their Signature Event shot at the RBC Heritage in April. (Source: PGA Tours)
Key Points
No Sentry in 2026. Conditions and logistics ruled it out.
Sony Open becomes the opener. Waialae sets the early form for the year.
Pathway protected. Qualified winners outside the Top 50 shift to RBC Heritage for Signature access.
Why It Matters To Golfers And The Game
Waialae Now Sets The Early Form
Waialae is a precision test—wind, tight targets, and plenty of wedges—so early results will spotlight iron play and distance control.
If you want quick, reliable schedule updates without digging through pressers, our Golf News hub keeps the essentials in one place.
Storylines To Track
With The Sentry off the board, the first big read on player shape arrives at Waialae instead of Kapalua, which means we’ll immediately learn who managed the off-season well and who flights it best in the wind.
To enjoy those opening rounds without score anxiety, try our simple score-blind routine to focus on strike and target.
Winners Still Get A Big Stage
Shifting access for eligible winners to RBC Heritage keeps the Signature Event energy intact, and the rationale becomes clearer when you skim our NFL-style playbook behind recent changes that explains why simpler stakes and cleaner schedules help fans and fields.
What Clubs And Events Can Learn
Drought and build limits don’t just hit tours—local clubs feel them too—so this is a good moment to review water plans, tee-sheet flow, and event setup, using two fast wins from our member-experience playbook to improve satisfaction before spring.
Respect For The Course (And Each Other)
Signature-level pace and standards often trickle down to everyday golf, and smoother winter rounds usually follow a quick refresh from our modern etiquette guide on ready golf, bunker care, and green etiquette.
What To Watch Next
Sony Open week (Jan 12–18): first real form check of 2026.
RBC Heritage in April: added access for certain winners keeps the field strong.
Travel plans: expect more demand around Waialae and Hilton Head windows.
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