Photo credit: Joe West
As we go by Christmas and approach the New Year, I annually ready for one of my favorite golf tournaments to watch – the Sentry Championships – at the Plantation Course at the Kapalua Resort on Maui.
Not this year.
Due to strict water restrictions on the island of Maui, the course went through the summer months with Tier 4 restrictions – zero irrigation – the two courses at Kapalua suffered extensive stress and turf loss, closing both courses for over two months.
Along with the Plantation course, the Bay course has also suffered and was closed.
The decision was made in the fall not to host the Sentry this year and in turn the decision was made to not move the tournament but just to cancel the event for the 2026 season.
That leaves only one stop in Hawaii – the Sony Open – set for the Waialae Country Club in Honolulu from Jan. 15-18.
Almost every year I write about how enjoyable it was to sit back on the couch and watch the Sentry with its amazing view of the ocean from throughout the course, with the highlight being the coverage of the sweeping downhill 18th hole featuring some of the longest drives of the year on the Tour.
The pictures of the course from the middle of the year were hard to believe. There was little or no green, leaving the course brown while still framed by the majestic Pacific Ocean.
There is good news on the horizon. By dropping the restrictions to Tier 3, the team at Kapalua was able to use 40 percent of normal water use and in conjunction with favorable weather and regular maintenance the courses have made strides in the right direction.
Despite the two courses suffering severe damage to the turf, they have been making a comeback.
The Plantation course is now open, and all reports have it in good condition. The Bay course remains closed right now, but the Bay course driving range is open.
The booking window is 30 days for standard tee times and 60 days for premium (online only).
Please contact the reservations team for more information
808-669-8044 (7:30am-4pm HST) or at mauireservations@troon.com
With the loss of the Sentry, the local community was going to take a hit with the loss of the charitable donations the tournament makes each year.
According to a release from the resort, that was mitigated.
Maui junior golfers enjoyed a chance to play the Kapalua Plantation Golf Course a day before the course reopens on Nov. 10. The course has been closed since Sept. 2, with the junior event hosted approximately 48 golfers aged 10–17.
Kapalua Golf General Manager Alex Nakajima presented a check totaling $117,000 to the representatives of Lahaina Junior Golf, Hawaii State Junior Golf Association/First Tee of Hawaii, and Maui Junior Golf to support their missions.
This comes from funds donated by Mr. Tadashi Yanai, President of TY Management and owner of Kapalua Golf. As part of his pledge to help, more than 10 Maui nonprofits will receive donations for a total of $750,000.
“When Mr. Yanai heard that The Sentry PGA TOUR event would not be played at Kapalua in 2026, he worried about the Maui nonprofits that have historically benefited from generous donations,” said Kapalua Golf General Manager Alex Nakajima. “Mr. Yanai wanted to make sure the nonprofits would still have funding for their important causes and he pledged to help out.”
The three organizations received contributions that will help to support youth golf programs, coaching, and opportunities that help young athletes develop both on and off the course.
A great move and with the courses on the mend, we look forward to seeing the epic beauty of the Plantation course as the PGA Tour kicks off in 2027!
Until then, make the trip to Maui and enjoy one of the most beautiful courses in the world.
For more information visit www.golfatkapalua.com.