For more than 25 years, the Kapalua Plantation Course in Maui was the iconic season-opening stage of the PGA Tour. It’s where Tiger Woods outdueled Ernie Els in 2000, where Justin Thomas, Jon Rahm, Jordan Spieth, and Dustin Johnson launched historic seasons, all framed by Maui’s stunning Pacific coastline.
But that legacy just ended — and the reason is unexpectedly simple:
The PGA Tour pulled out because Kapalua’s grass won’t stay green.
According to a November 30 Fortune investigation, the PGA Tour has officially abandoned its long-standing commitment to Kapalua due to chronic turf failure, brown fairways, and patchy greens that look terrible on global TV broadcasts.
This comes despite years of expensive repairs, expert agronomy teams, and millions spent on new turf, water systems, and disease treatments.
A $50 Million Economic Blow to Maui
This isn’t just a golf story — it’s an economic disaster.
Fortune’s analysis estimates the Sentry Tournament of Champions generates $50–60 million annually for Maui’s tourism-driven economy, including:
- Hotel and resort bookings
- Restaurant and local vendor income
- Car rentals and travel services
- Hundreds of seasonal hospitality jobs
For a region still rebuilding after the 2023 Lahaina wildfires, losing the PGA Tour is catastrophic.
Local businesses compare the loss to “Maui losing the Super Bowl every January.”
And with the PGA Tour already scouting mainland replacements for 2026, the economic uncertainty is growing.
Why Kapalua Can’t Fix the Brown Grass Problem
Agronomy experts say Kapalua is trapped in a perfect environmental storm:
1. Rising soil salinity
Exposure to ocean winds + declining rainfall = salt buildup killing turf roots.
2. Strict environmental regulations
Limits on irrigation, fertilizer use, and runoff to protect Maui’s coral reefs.
3. Bermuda grass that fails in winter
Ultra-dwarf Bermuda struggles in Kapalua’s cooler, shadier December-January conditions.
4. Climate change
Longer droughts. Hotter summers. Unpredictable winter rainfall.
Kapalua tried everything:
- New drainage
- New grass varieties
- USGA agronomy task force
- Multi-million-dollar upgrades
But the course can’t consistently deliver the TV-perfect, tour-level green conditions required for the PGA Tour’s showcase opener.
What Happens to Golf in Hawaii Now?
The Sentry Tournament of Champions (rebranded as “The Sentry”) is expected to move to the U.S. mainland. Early rumored host cities include:
- Orlando
- Palm Springs
- Scottsdale
Other Hawaii events survive — for now:
- The Mitsubishi Electric Championship remains at Hualalai
- The Sony Open will continue at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu
For Maui to regain a PGA Tour event, Kapalua may need a complete re-grassing to TifTuf or Zeon Zoysia — a costly, multi-year project with no guaranteed success.
The Bigger Picture for Golf Fans and Travelers
The Kapalua collapse is a warning:
Even world-famous golf courses are vulnerable to climate pressure, water restrictions, and rising maintenance standards.
Modern professional golf demands:
- flawless greens
- TV-ready fairways
- predictable playing conditions
Kapalua could no longer deliver that reality.
For Maui, the real loss isn’t just the PGA Tour — it’s the economic engine, global exposure, and annual tourism surge the event brought to the island.
What’s Your Take?
Should the PGA Tour have invested more to help Kapalua recover?
Or was leaving the only realistic choice?
Drop your opinion in the comments — the debate is just beginning.