One of the worst droughts in decades is putting the Hawaiian Islands in crisis. This slice of paradise in the Pacific is facing a crisis that is bringing agriculture, ecosystems, and water infrastructure to its knees. Golf is also suffering: the PGA Tour has announced the cancellation of The Sentry 2026.
The Sentry is the traditional season-opening event of the world's premier golf circuit. The tournament was scheduled to be held, as it is every year, on the island of Maui.
The Kapalua Plantation Course, the event's historic venue, can no longer guarantee the minimum agricultural conditions needed to host a world-class competition. The island is facing a Stage 3 water shortage, the highest emergency level. The alert calls for severe reductions in water use: irrigation is prohibited, vehicle washing is banned, and severe restrictions apply to residential and tourist facilities.
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An unprecedented decision for the PGA Tour, which is evaluating an alternative venue for the 2026 edition. The official statement describes it as "a necessary choice out of respect for the local population and the protection of natural resources."
Pga Tour, news
The Sentry (originally called the Tournament of Champions in 1953) has always been the first event on the tour's calendar. It is one of the most recognizable tournaments in American golf. Only the winners of the previous season's tournaments participate, making it a showcase of reigning champions.
Since 1999, the tournament has been played at the Plantation, on the cliffs of Maui, famous for its undulating fairways, ocean views, and relentless winds. Over the years, champions of the caliber of Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Jordan Spieth, and, more recently, Jon Rahm, have triumphed there.
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Its cancellation, therefore, is not only a sporting loss but also a symbolic blow: for the first time in over seventy years, the PGA Tour will not open the season in Hawaii.
The situation leaves little hope. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, over 40% of the state is currently experiencing drought or "abnormally dry" conditions. The most affected areas are the Big Island and Upcountry Maui, where emergency wells are active. Residents have been asked to reduce their water consumption by at least 10%.
The effects are felt everywhere: livestock farms are struggling due to dry grass, agricultural production is declining, and nature reserves are being transformed. In the Kealia Pond area, a small pond has even turned pink due to excessive salinity, an extreme phenomenon linked to the lack of freshwater.
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High temperatures and dry winds amplify the risk of wildfires, a notorious threat after the devastating blaze that destroyed Lahaina in 2023. Power companies, such as Hawaiian Electric, have reactivated public safety power shutoff plans, which are preventative power outages to prevent potential outages from sparking new outbreaks.
Experts at the National Drought Center warn that current conditions could last for months, due to low rainfall and the effect of global warming on the Pacific Ocean. Governor Josh Green has announced new funding for water infrastructure and awareness campaigns on water conservation, but the crisis remains profound.
The cancellation of The Sentry isn't just sporting news: it's a symbol of a fragile balance. The greenest islands in the Pacific are now faced with water scarcity, a paradox that demonstrates how even tropical paradises are vulnerable to climate change.
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Maui, the tourist and golfing hub of the archipelago, is paying the highest price. The hope is that the rain will return soon, restoring nature and golf to their most authentic dimension.
