The cancellation of the 2026 Sentry Tournament of Champions on Maui by the PGA Tour represents a significant setback for the island's economy. The tournament, held at Kapalua Resort's Plantation Course, has been a staple of the PGA Tour since 1986 and a major driver of tourism revenue for Maui. However, due to persistent water restrictions and damage to the course caused by severe drought, the event is no longer viable at its current location.
Golfweek's report indicates that Kapalua's Plantation Course has been grappling with significant irrigation challenges. The course's ownership group has even filed a lawsuit over the water supply. The Sentry tournament, which kicks off the PGA Tour season, generates an estimated $50 million for Maui's economy as highlighted in ProGolfWeekly's analysis.
The economic impact extends beyond the immediate loss of tourism dollars. The Sentry tournament supports local jobs, investment and generates substantial charitable contributions. The tournament has raised over $9.7 million for Maui nonprofits since 1999, including recent donations to wildfire recovery efforts. Maui Now's coverage highlights the tournament's significant contributions to the local economy and its importance for showcasing Hawaii worldwide.
The loss of the Sentry tournament will likely be felt across various sectors, including hotels, restaurants, and local businesses that cater to tourists and the golf community. The PGA Tour is actively working to assess the situation with its partners, including Sentry Insurance, Kapalua Resort, Maui County, and the State of Hawaii. The future of the tournament on Maui remains uncertain, but the cancellation underscores the critical need for sustainable water management and the economic vulnerability of the island's tourism-dependent economy in the face of climate change impacts.
