PGA Tour to End 56-Year Hawaii Streak in 2027
The PGA Tour will not be returning to Hawaii in 2027, marking the first time in 56 years that the tour will not start its season in the Aloha State. This decision comes as the tour revamps its schedule and seeks to move away from its traditional Hawaiian opener.
The Sentry Tournament of Champions, which was held at the Plantation Course at Kapalua on Maui, was canceled last January due to drought conditions and a dispute over water delivery. The tournament’s cancellation was a significant blow to the tour, which had been subsidizing the purse increase to $20 million when it became a signature event.
Background on the Cancellation
The water dispute involved accusations from the Kapalua owner, Japanese billionaire Tadashi Yanai, homeowners, and Hua Momona Farms that Maui Land & Pineapple had not maintained the water delivery system. Maui Land & Pineapple then filed a countersuit, alleging that Kapalua was violating water restrictions. The dispute ultimately led to the cancellation of the tournament.
The Sony Open, which is held on Oahu, is also undergoing changes. The tournament, which dates back to 1965, is in the final year of its sponsorship and is working towards becoming an event to open the PGA Tour Champions season. The Sony Open has been played continuously since 1971 and has been a staple on the tour calendar.
Impact on the PGA Tour Schedule
The PGA Tour’s decision to end its 56-year streak in Hawaii will have a significant impact on the tour’s schedule. The Sentry Tournament of Champions was a favorite among players, who enjoyed the wide fairways and endless views of the ocean on the west end of Maui. The tournament’s cancellation will leave a gap in the schedule, which the tour will need to fill.
According to Stephanie Smith, the company’s chief marketing and brand officer in charge of the golf partnership, Sentry is proud of its eight-year run at Kapalua. “We have said from the beginning, we love Maui and Maui is a Sentry community not unlike our hometown of Stevens Point, Wisconsin,” she said. “We cherish the friends and partnerships we have formed over the past several years. Our commitment to the island runs deep, and we remain committed to being active in the community.”
The most likely landing spot for the Sentry Tournament of Champions is Torrey Pines in San Diego, where several executives attended this year. The previous sponsorship for Torrey Pines with Farmers Insurance ended this year without any intention of renewing.
The PGA Tour confirmed the decision not to return to Hawaii in 2027, stating, “We are grateful to The Plantation Course at Kapalua, Kapalua Resort, Maui County, and the state of Hawaii for their longtime support of our season-opening PGA Tour event, as well as the fans, partners, and volunteers across Maui who have supported the event throughout the years.” The tour will share more details on the 2027 schedule at a later date.
Conclusion
The PGA Tour’s decision to end its 56-year streak in Hawaii marks a significant change in the tour’s schedule. While the Sentry Tournament of Champions will not be returning to Kapalua, the tour is committed to finding a new home for the event. With the Sony Open also undergoing changes, the PGA Tour is poised to enter a new era in its history.
