Post by : Maya Rahman

The PGA Tour has officially canceled The Sentry, its season-opening event, due to severe drought conditions impacting the Plantation Course at Kapalua, Maui. After several weeks of assessments, officials concluded that the course could not satisfy the standards required for professional play. The search for an alternate venue proved unsuccessful, prompting adjustments to the tour's upcoming schedule.

Maui's extreme drought has severely affected the Plantation Course’s fairways and greens, rendering significant portions unplayable. The island's strict water restrictions hampered irrigation efforts, complicating turf recovery as the once lush course transformed into a dry landscape. Major repairs were necessary for the greens on holes 1 and 8, leaving the PGA Tour to decide against moving forward with the competition.

On a positive note, Alex Nakajima, General Manager of Kapalua Golf, revealed that the Plantation Course will welcome back golfers starting Monday, November 10, following two months of dedicated maintenance and partial restoration. He expressed gratitude to the agronomy team for their hard work, emphasizing the reopening's significance for the local economy and the over 300 employees working at the course and its amenities.

Nakajima highlighted that the reopening is crucial for the Maui economy, as golf tourism supports many local businesses and jobs. “Reopening the Plantation Course is a significant step forward for our community,” he stated. Guests will once again be able to relish the stunning scenery of one of Hawaii’s most iconic golfing locations.

While the course reopens, only 16 of the 18 holes will be playable at this time. Troon Golf, the managing body of Kapalua, released images showcasing the turf improvements seen since September, though full restoration is still pending. Booking for tee times begins on October 23, featuring a promotional reopening rate of $399, down from the standard $469. Guests will also benefit from a $50 golf shop credit due to the temporary closure of two holes.

With The Sentry no longer part of the schedule, the PGA Tour will kick off its 2026 season with the Sony Open in Honolulu, set for January 15–18 at Waialae Country Club. PGA Tour Chief Competitions Officer Tyler Dennis mentioned that officials collaborated with Sentry Insurance to consider alternatives, but none were viable. He expressed appreciation for Sentry's ongoing partnership and patience during this challenging time.

Fortunately, recent rainfall and changes to irrigation rules have aided restoration endeavors. Maui officials have upgraded water restrictions to “Tier 2,” allowing for 60 percent irrigation, which has significantly expedited recovery. While full restoration may require additional time, visible improvements bring hope for a complete revival soon. However, the Bay Course at Kapalua remains closed indefinitely.

The impending reopening of the Plantation Course is a hopeful sign for both Kapalua Golf and the local community. Even though The Sentry won’t take place this year, the course's gradual restoration represents resilience and commitment. With ongoing restoration efforts and the support of players and visitors, the Plantation Course aims to reclaim its status as a world-class destination for golfers and continue to contribute to Hawaii's thriving golf tourism in the months ahead.

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