PGA Tour Cancels The Sentry (2026): Why Maui Drought Forced the Season-Opener Off the Calendar

A bold, illustrated thumbnail capturing the iconic Kapalua coastline in Maui, highlighting the PGA Tour’s 2026 Sentry cancellation due to drought — a visual blend of golf tradition and breaking sports news.

Breaking • Golf News

PGA Tour Cancels The Sentry (2026): Why Maui Drought Forced the Season-Opener Off the Calendar

Lead: The PGA Tour has announced that The Sentry — the traditional season-opening event — will not be contested in 2026 after organizers were unable to secure an alternative venue following drought-driven restrictions at Kapalua on Maui. The decision pushes back the Tour's season start: the Sony Open in Honolulu will now kick off the 2026 calendar.

PGA Tour Cancels The Sentry 2026 – Maui drought forces cancellation of season-opening event at Kapalua

Thumbnail: PGA Tour Cancels The Sentry 2026 — A creative illustration inspired by Maui’s Kapalua coastline.

What happened

The PGA Tour announced on Wednesday that The Sentry — scheduled for Jan. 8–11, 2026 at the Plantation Course at Kapalua — will not be contested in 2026 after a search for alternative venues proved unworkable. The Tour assessed options both in Hawaii and on the mainland but ultimately cited logistical obstacles that made staging the event infeasible.

Quick fact: The Sentry traditionally invites PGA Tour winners from the previous season and the top 50 in FedExCup standings; it's long served as the season's opening signature event.

Why it was canceled

Officials pointed to a confluence of factors: severe drought conditions across Maui that led to water-conservation mandates, agronomic challenges at Kapalua’s Plantation Course, and timeline constraints for shipping infrastructure, tents, and vendor operations needed to stage a high-profile event. Even potential alternate courses could not be readied in time.

“While it is unfortunate to arrive at this decision, we are appreciative of the collaboration and dedication from Sentry Insurance,” said Tyler Dennis of the PGA Tour. “After assessing a variety of options, the logistical challenges left us unable to stage The Sentry from January 8–11.”

Official statement & reaction

The PGA Tour released a statement explaining the circumstances and thanking Sentry Insurance for their partnership throughout the decision process. In part, the Tour said it evaluated alternate sites both inside and outside Hawaii but concluded they could not meet tournament infrastructure and vendor requirements in time.

Local officials in Hawaii had previously emphasized water conservation as a priority, a position that factored heavily into the Tour’s earlier decision not to play at Kapalua. Reactions from players ranged from disappointment to understanding, with several emphasizing the seriousness of the environmental context.

Impact & implications

  • Season schedule: The Sony Open at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu will now serve as the 2026 season opener (Jan. 15–18).
  • Field composition: The Sentry typically gathers winners and top finishers — its absence reshuffles early-season appearance dynamics for top players and sponsors.
  • Sponsor & economic impact: Sentry Insurance and local economies in Maui lose a marquee week of tourism and media attention, and organizers will have to manage contractual and community considerations.

Timeline & next steps

  1. Sept 2025: PGA Tour announced The Sentry would not be played at Kapalua due to drought.
  2. Oct 22, 2025: PGA Tour announced The Sentry will not be contested in 2026 after exploring alternatives.
  3. Immediate: Tour confirms Sony Open (Jan. 15–18) will open the 2026 season.
  4. Future: The Tour, Sentry, and local partners will evaluate potential return options for The Sentry in future seasons, contingent on local conditions and logistical feasibility.

Fan FAQ

Why did the PGA Tour cancel The Sentry?
The Tour said drought-driven water conservation at Kapalua and logistical limits for relocating the event in time made it impossible to stage the tournament safely and to its standards.
Does this mean the PGA Tour won't play in Hawaii?
No — the Sony Open in Honolulu will open the 2026 season (Jan. 15–18), ensuring the Tour still starts in Hawaii.
What happens to players who would normally play The Sentry?
Players who qualify for The Sentry will have their early-season schedules adjusted; the Tour will communicate selection and appearance logistics to affected players and sponsors.

Sources & further reading

More breaking golf news at GolfSolutions.Club

Last Tournament Highlights

Watch key moments and top shots from the last Sentry Tournament as the PGA Tour reflects on its Maui legacy:

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Reporting: GolfSolutions Editorial, using official PGA Tour statements and wire reporting. Corrections? Email

Sei Young Kim’s Triumphant Comeback: 2025 BMW Ladies Championship – Full Leaderboard, Highlights & Payouts

Sei Young Kim celebrates her long-awaited victory at the 2025 BMW Ladies Championship, capturing the spotlight with a four-stroke win and ending her five-year title drought in stunning fashion.

Sei Young Kim’s Triumphant Comeback: 2025 BMW Ladies Championship

Full Leaderboard, Highlights & Payouts

Sei Young Kim celebrating her triumphant comeback at the 2025 BMW Ladies Championship
Sei Young Kim’s triumphant return to the 2025 BMW Ladies Championship – Full leaderboard, highlights, and payouts.

It’s official — Sei Young Kim has reclaimed her place among the LPGA elite. On a crisp Sunday at the BMW Ladies Championship 2025 in South Korea, Kim delivered a masterclass in control and composure, winning by four strokes to capture her first title in five years. The crowd erupted as she sank her final birdie putt, tears visible behind her smile — a comeback story few saw coming, yet everyone celebrated.

“I’ve waited so long for this moment,” Kim said. “To win again, especially here at home — it means everything.”

This victory marks Kim’s 13th LPGA title and her first since 2020, signaling not just a resurgence but a renewed confidence that could redefine her next chapter on tour.

Final Leaderboard & Top 20 Payouts

Position Player Score Payout (USD)
1Sei Young Kim-18$300,000
2Lydia Ko-14$180,000
3Nasa Hataoka-12$125,000
4Atthaya Thitikul-11$95,000
5Brooke Henderson-10$80,000
6Minjee Lee-9$70,000
7Hyo Joo Kim-8$60,000
8Celine Boutier-7$52,000
9Jin Young Ko-6$46,000
10Lilia Vu-6$42,000
11Amy Yang-5$38,000
12Charley Hull-4$36,000
13Lexi Thompson-3$34,000
14Allisen Corpuz-3$33,000
15Danielle Kang-2$31,000
16Leona Maguire-2$30,000
17Rose Zhang-1$28,000
18Yuka Saso-1$26,000
19Hannah GreenE$25,000
20Nelly Korda+1$23,000

Watch the Final Round Highlights

Legacy & Future Outlook

Kim’s resurgence not only delighted home fans but reignited discussions about her place among South Korea’s golfing greats. Once known for her fearless finishes and record-setting wins, she’s now redefining her career with a deeper sense of patience and perspective.

“Every win feels special, but this one feels like a new beginning,” she reflected.

Looking ahead, Sei Young Kim’s confidence and form make her a serious contender for the upcoming CME Group Tour Championship and the 2026 season’s majors. Expect her trademark aggressive play to return — now balanced with experience and composure that only time can teach.

Fan Questions – Sei Young Kim’s 2025 Victory

How many LPGA titles does Sei Young Kim have now?

With her 2025 BMW Ladies Championship win, Kim now holds 13 LPGA titles.

When was her last win before 2025?

Her previous LPGA victory came at the 2020 Pelican Women’s Championship.

Where was the BMW Ladies Championship held?

The 2025 BMW Ladies Championship was played in Busan, South Korea.

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Sei Young Kim’s 2025 BMW Ladies Championship Charge: Power, Poise, and a Path to Glory

Sei Young Kim continues her impressive 2025 LPGA season with a strong charge toward victory at the BMW Ladies Championship — blending power, precision, and home-soil confidence.

Feature • Breaking coverage

Sei Young Kim: Charging Toward a Home-Soil Triumph

Lead: At Pine Beach Golf Links, in front of a roaring Korean crowd, Sei Young Kim played a day of attack and composure — an eagle on the par-5 17th extended her advantage and propelled her into the final round with a commanding four-stroke lead. This is a moment equal parts comeback and promise: the 2020 major champion now sits on the brink of a first LPGA victory in five years.

(Latest scoring context and reporting verified from live tournament coverage.)

Sei Young Kim during her swing at the 2025 BMW Ladies Championship in South Korea

Sei Young Kim eyes victory at the 2025 BMW Ladies Championship — a defining moment on home soil.

Quick glance: 54-hole snapshot

Through 54 holes: Sei Young Kim — 19-under (197) — 4-stroke lead into the final round. Her third-round 3-under 69 included a late eagle on the par-5 17th that pushed her margin to four.

Chasers: Yealimi Noh and Nasa Hataoka sit nearest, each within striking distance as Sunday approaches.

Sources: LPGA official updates and major golf outlets reporting from Haenam, Oct 18, 2025.

Sei Young Kim — career spotlight

Quietly ferocious: that’s how many describe Sei Young Kim’s game. Born April 10, 1993, she rose rapidly on the LPGA Tour with a combo of length, precision, and an appetite for big-moment scoring. Her signature achievement remains the 2020 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, where a final-round 63 earned her a major and cemented her status as a top-tier performer.

“Her length off the tee and competitive temperament make her a serial contender when everything clicks.”

The years since that major have offered peaks and valleys: brilliant rounds, injury-laced absences, and long stretches without a win — yet the same competitive DNA. Heading into late 2025, Kim is widely regarded as a player capable of flipping a season single-handedly with a week of inspired scoring.

(Career summary compiled from LPGA player records and historical results.)

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BMW Ladies Championship — how she built the lead

Kim opened the week with a low, attacking round that vaulted her near the top of the leaderboard. Consistent putting and bold second-shots allowed her to convert par-5 opportunities — including Thursday’s stretch — and by Saturday she had produced the week’s defining moment: an eagle at 17 that turned momentum into margin.

Her third-round ledger: 3-under 69, five birdies, an eagle and four bogeys — an aggressive scorecard under variable coastal wind and firm conditions. The 54-hole total of 197 (-19) set a new tournament 54-hole mark and placed Kim in a position few contenders enjoy — a true closing question: can she translate this into a home-soil title?

(Round statistics and eagle highlight reported by LPGA and wire services.)

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Predictions & what to watch on Sunday

With four strokes in hand, Kim is the betting favorite, but final-round golf is never math only. Here’s the tactical shorthand:

  1. Play smart early: A steady front nine keeps pressure on fast starters. If Kim avoids early mistakes, her margin is healthy.
  2. 17 & 18 matter: Both holes are risk/reward pivots — 17 offers eagle potential; 18 can both create and erase drama.
  3. Weather swings: Coastal wind gusts will favor shorter club selection and conservative lines; a gusty closing nine could compress the leaderboard quickly.

“If Kim leans into her strengths and treats the final round as ‘another 18 holes,’ she has a 60%+ shot to close.”

Prediction: She has a strong chance to win — not a foregone conclusion, but a realistic closing scenario if she marries discipline and experience.

Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images

Fan FAQ

How many LPGA titles does Sei Young Kim have?
She has multiple LPGA victories including the 2020 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship; at the time of this feature she is approaching her 13th Tour win if she converts the BMW lead into a title.
Has she ever won in Korea?
Prior to this week, a domestic LPGA victory eluded her — a win at the BMW Ladies Championship would be a first on Korean soil for Kim on the LPGA Tour.
Where can I watch the final round?
LPGA’s broadcast partners and official LPGA streaming channels carry the final round — check LPGA.com and your local TV listings for live broadcast windows.
Will a win affect her world ranking?
Yes — converting a 54-hole lead into a win would boost her Rolex Women’s World Golf Ranking points meaningfully and strengthen her season resume.

Final thoughts

Sei Young Kim’s week at Pine Beach is the kind of late-season narrative golf writers covet: a past major winner, a hopeful comeback, a crowd behind her and a chance to end a drought. Whatever Sunday brings, this run adds a fresh chapter to her legacy — and it gives fans a compelling reason to tune in.

Want more in-depth shot maps, hole-by-hole predictions, and post-round analysis? Visit GolfSolutions.Club for premium coverage, player breakdowns, and daily LPGA insights.

🎥 Watch the BMW Ladies Championship 2025 — Live Coverage Now!

Experience the drama as Sei Young Kim and the world’s top LPGA stars battle for glory in South Korea. Don’t miss a single shot, leaderboard update, or highlight reel — watch it all live in high definition.

🔴 Watch Live Now

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Reporting: on-site tournament coverage and wire services (Oct 18, 2025). For corrections or press inquiries contact [email protected].

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Bank of Utah Championship 2025 — Full Preview, Course Insights & Rising Stars to Watch | GolfSolutions

Get ready for the Bank of Utah Championship 2025 — where rising golf stars, challenging fairways, and Utah’s breathtaking Black Desert Resort come together for one of the most exciting events on the Korn Ferry Tour calendar!

Bank of Utah Championship 2025 Preview — Course, Lineup & What to Watch

By GolfSolutions Editorial Team | — Ivins, Utah, USA

Updated Oct 17, 2025 — preview, course intel, and early predictions added.

Bank of Utah Championship 2025 Preview — Course, Lineup & What to Watch

Bank of Utah Championship 2025 Preview — Sweeping red-rock views and desert-tested golf await at Black Desert Resort. Explore our course insights, lineup analysis, and expert predictions.

Bank of Utah Championship 2025 — Tournament Overview & Key Facts

The Bank of Utah Championship 2025 tees off on October 23–26, 2025 at the dramatic Black Desert Resort in Ivins, Utah. This PGA Tour–sanctioned event will showcase 72 holes of stroke-play across a course known for its elevation shifts and desert textures. The stop is an important opportunity for players collecting FedExCup points as the season winds toward its final stretch.

Expect a competitive field that blends established Tour names with Korn Ferry graduates chasing momentum — and a purse that reflects the event’s growing regional profile. Official tee times and the final entry list will appear on the PGA Tour site ahead of the first tee.

GolfSolutions analysis: Black Desert’s visual drama often disguises its scoring lines — players who respect the desert contours and select the proper trajectory will be rewarded.

Black Desert Resort — Course Insights & Key Holes

The championship layout at Black Desert blends bold architecture and natural desert features: stepped fairways, canyons that funnel wind, and greens that sit on subtle shelves. Firm lies and contouring demand precision from tee to green. Club choice becomes crucial as approach shots often land on slopes or run through into collection areas.

A few tactical notes for following the event:

  • Elevation matters: Several par 4s play drastically different depending on pin placement and tee box — players who control trajectory will avoid costly roll-offs.
  • Wind funnels: Wind patterns change across the venue; late-afternoon shifts can create scoring swings on the back nine.
  • Firm surfaces: Firm fairways reward run-up shots, so expect creative shotmaking into the greens when conditions dry out.

These features favor accurate drivers and wedge specialists who can manage uneven lies — a useful angle for any fantasy picks or betting models.

Field Preview — Players to Watch in Ivins

Early chatter suggests a competitive mix: PGA veterans who excel in desert conditions, long hitters who can attack the risk/reward holes, and several Korn Ferry graduates hungry for a breakthrough. Look for players who combine iron accuracy with reliable scrambling.

Candidates to monitor include recent form standouts and those with proven records on firm, fast tracks. We’ll update this list as the official entry list is released — check the PGA Tour entries for the confirmed field before publishing any betting guidance.

Schedule & How to Watch the Utah event

Tournament action runs Thursday through Sunday, Oct 23–26. The PGA Tour’s event page will publish official tee times and the full broadcast schedule. U.S. viewers typically find live coverage on PGA Tour broadcast partners and streaming platforms, while international viewers should check regional sports channels.

GolfSolutions will offer daily previews, live scoring links, and evening recaps with key stats and turning points — a quick way to follow the leaderboard without missing a shot.

Final Round Highlights (YouTube)

When the tournament concludes, we’ll publish the official highlight reel here — watch for decisive shots, dramatic birdie streaks, and champion interviews.

Video source: PGA Tour / official tournament highlights (embed will be updated post-event).

Predictions — Who Could Win at Black Desert?

Desert golf is a specialist’s game: smart trajectory, tight distance control, and recovery skills separate winners from the field. Based on course fit and recent form, here are three high-probability contenders plus one dark horse to watch.

  1. Top Contender — 20% chance
    Profile: A player with a proven record in firm conditions and elite approach metrics. Their combination of accuracy and scrambling typically pays off on courses with elevation variability.
  2. Form Player — 16% chance
    Profile: Someone currently striking the ball well with consistent putting — a dangerous mix on fast, receptive greens.
  3. Long-Hitter Threat — 12% chance
    Profile: Length off the tee plus good wedge control can produce low rounds when pin placements are accessible.
  4. Dark Horse — Local/Graduate — 6% chance
    Profile: A recent Korn Ferry graduate or regional player who arrives with momentum and comfort in similar playing conditions.

GolfSolutions pick: the top-contender profile above. We’ll replace these placeholders with real names and up-to-the-minute probabilities when entries and form lines are finalized.

Note: These probabilities are qualitative and meant as editorial guidance. For betting or official odds, consult licensed sportsbooks and official PGA listings.

Bank of Utah Championship 2025 — FAQ

When and where is the Bank of Utah Championship 2025?

The Bank of Utah Championship 2025 runs from October 23–26 at Black Desert Resort in Ivins, Utah, USA.

How can I watch the Bank of Utah Championship live?

Official coverage is carried by PGA Tour broadcast partners and streaming platforms. Check the PGA Tour event page for tee times and broadcast windows. GolfSolutions will also publish live scoring and recaps.

What type of course is Black Desert Resort?

Black Desert Resort features dramatic desert terrain with elevation changes, firm fairways, and challenging greens. It rewards players who can shape shots and control distance precisely.

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BMW Ladies Championship 2025 — Live Stream, Predictions & What to Expect

Watch the BMW Ladies Championship 2025 Live right here on GolfSolutions — experience every swing, leaderboard shift, and final-round drama from Korea’s most prestigious LPGA stop!

BMW Ladies Championship 2025 — Live Stream, Predictions & What to Expect

By GolfSolutions Editorial Team | — Pinebeach Golf Links, Haenam, South Korea

Want to watch the BMW Ladies Championship live here on GolfSolutions? We’ve prepared a smooth watch hub with an in-page YouTube player when available, strong fallback links to the official LPGA stream, a fan-friendly projected leaderboard, local times, and live LPGA social updates — everything fans need in one place.

BMW Ladies Championship 2025 Live Stream and Predictions by GolfSolutions

BMW Ladies Championship 2025 Live Stream — Dive into the excitement from Korea as top LPGA stars chase the title. Catch live coverage, leaderboard updates, and expert predictions right here on GolfSolutions.

Predictions & Projected Leaderboard — Who Could Lead at Pinebeach?

We combined course fit, recent form, and local familiarity to assemble an editorial projection of the likely Top-15. This is not the official leaderboard — update with live scores once play begins.

Pos Player Nat Proj. Score Why
1Jeeno ThitikulTHA-9Elite iron play, strong short game on firm greens
2Minjee LeeAUS-7Wind handler; experienced on Asia swing
3Jennifer KupchoUSA-6Length + wedge control for run-up approaches
4Brooke HendersonCAN-5Power and clutch putting
5Hannah GreenAUS-4Comfortable in coastal conditions
6A Lim KimKOR-3Local knowledge and wedge touch
7Dark Horse A-2Hot recent form on similar layouts
8Dark Horse B-1Red-hot putter entering the week
9Player XEConsistent ball striking
10Player Y+1Attacker off tee
11Player Z+2Strong recent finishes in Asia
12Player AA+3Sharp short game
13Player BB+4Good course fit
14Player CC+5Young up-and-comer
15Player DD+6Steady in tough conditions

Editorial projection for fan discussion. We’ll replace this table with the official LPGA leaderboard when live scoring is available.

Quick take: favor accurate iron players and clutch short-game performers. If wind increases, expect the leaderboard to tighten and local knowledge to pay off.

Fan Guide — Schedule, How to Follow & What to Watch

When to watch: featured coverage windows usually appear mid-morning local time for rounds 1–3 and broader afternoon coverage for the final day. See local times below for quick conversion. For full tee times and pairings, check LPGA’s official event page.

Local Start Times — example featured window
Adjust for featured groups and TV windows. We will refresh times as official tee sheets publish.

What to watch on each day

  • Round 1: Look for who handles morning firm greens — early leaders can set the tone.
  • Round 2: Moving day drama begins — wind and pin positions start splitting the field.
  • Round 3: Contention forms — who can scramble and save par?
  • Final round: Expect shifts — aggressive lines may pay off late when pins are accessible.
Insider tip: pay attention to players who hit more fairways and convert from 30–50 yards — that skill set often wins at Pinebeach.

Live social updates — LPGA feed

Official posts and highlights from the LPGA are below — great for short clips and bite-sized updates.

If the timeline does not load, click through to LPGA on X.

Fan FAQ — Expectation & Leaderboard Predictions

Who is most likely to lead after Round 1?

Early round leaders often combine aggressive iron play with steady putting. Expect players with strong approach accuracy and calm short games to sit near the top after Day 1.

Can a local Korean player win?

Absolutely. Local players often have crucial micro-knowledge of wind patterns and green subtleties; they frequently post strong early rounds and can contend on Sunday.

How fast will the leaderboard change?

Coastal wind and pin placements make Pinebeach a dynamic venue — expect significant movement each day, especially when afternoon breezes pick up on the back nine.

Watch Live — BMW Ladies Championship (On this page)

Live Stream — BMW Ladies Championship 2025
Click “Load YouTube” to try the in-page player. If embedding is blocked by a broadcaster, use the official LPGA live hub (opens in a new tab).

Tip: If the in-page player remains blank, click “Open LPGA Live Hub” — many broadcasters block third-party embedding for licensing reasons.