The PGA Tour is making a big change, and it's going to feel a little strange.
Videos by FanBuzz
For the first time in more than five decades, the tour will not open a season in Hawaii.
The decision means The Sentry at Kapalua is out for 2027, ending a run that dates back to 1969 when the tour made its traditional early-January stop in the islands. The event had already been canceled in 2026 due to drought conditions and a water dispute that impacted the Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort.
Now, it's official. No return next year.
The PGA Tour confirmed the move as part of a broader schedule overhaul. Details on what replaces the Hawaii opener have not yet been announced.
The change carries some ripple effects.
The Sony Open in Honolulu had long benefited from being the second leg of a Hawaii swing, giving golfers a reason to stay for two weeks. That setup is now shifting, with discussions underway about repositioning the event alongside PGA Tour Champions tournaments.
There are also practical factors behind the decision. Kapalua had become one of the more expensive stops on tour, with significant costs tied to transporting equipment to Maui. Attendance was solid but not overwhelming, and the recent water issues only added more uncertainty.
Still, this is not just another tournament coming off the calendar.
Kapalua was a favorite among players. Wide fairways. Ocean views. A relaxed start to the year. It also carried a unique format as a winners-only field for many years.
Hideki Matsuyama captured the most recent title there, finishing at a record 35 under.
The tour issued a statement thanking Maui and its partners for decades of support. That part felt genuine. This stop meant something.
Now, the PGA Tour is turning the page. A new-look schedule is coming. Hawaii, at least for now, is no longer the starting point.
