The Sentry, the season-opening tournament on the PGA Tour, won’t be played at its usual home of the Plantation Course at Kapalua this winter due to ongoing drought conditions on the island of Maui.
The tour did not say in its announcement Tuesday where the tournament would move, only that details “will be shared when available.” The tournament, a $20 million signature event, is scheduled for Jan. 8-11.
The tour cited “water conservation requirements, agronomic conditions and logistical challenges” related to the drought in its statement.
New PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp met virtually with Hawaii Gov. Josh Green on Monday to discuss the issues at hand.
“We support the PGA Tour’s decision, given the drought conditions Maui is facing,” Green said in a statement. “Protecting our water and supporting our communities come first. The Sentry has long showcased Maui’s beauty while giving back to local nonprofits, and we’re grateful to the tour, Sentry Insurance, Kapalua Resort and Maui County for their partnership.”
Formerly called the Tournament of Champions, the Sentry is only open to players who won a tournament or finished top-50 in the FedEx Cup race the prior season. Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama is the defending champion.
