The Sentry Tournament of Champions Relocates from Maui Amidst Water Crisis & Infrastructure disputes
The PGA Tour has made the challenging decision to relocate the 2024 Sentry Tournament of Champions from the iconic Plantation course at Kapalua,Maui. This unprecedented move comes as the island grapples with a severe drought, stringent water conservation mandates, and a complex dispute over the aging irrigation infrastructure that sustains the resort and surrounding communities. The decision, announced by the Tour, prioritizes the critical needs of Maui’s 140,000 residents and acknowledges the logistical challenges of hosting a major sporting event during a time of crisis.
A Perfect Storm of Challenges
The situation in Maui is multifaceted. While the drought itself is a important factor, the core issue lies with the century-old ditch system managed by Maui Land & Pineapple (MLP) that delivers irrigation water to Kapalua and its residents.Allegations of deferred maintenance on this vital infrastructure have led to diminished water flow, exacerbating the impact of the drought and sparking a legal battle.
A lawsuit filed August 18th by Tadashi Yanai (owner of Kapalua and Uniqlo), Kapalua homeowners, and Hua Momona Farms accuses MLP of negligence in maintaining the water delivery system. The suit contends that the water shortage is a direct result of disrepair, not natural causes. MLP, though, maintains it has been making repairs as directed by the Commission on Water Resource Management and is operating within the terms of its agreements.
The escalating conflict culminated in increasingly restrictive irrigation bans. Kapalua Resort initially closed its Plantation course for two months in September, hoping to conserve water. However, further restrictions imposed by the Hawai’i Water Commissioner and MLP ultimately banned all irrigation, forcing the indefinite closure of the Bay course to divert limited resources to the Plantation course. recent accusations have flown between the parties, with MLP claiming Kapalua exceeded water usage limits, and Kapalua asserting it has adhered to all mandates, even those imposed unexpectedly during conservation efforts.
Economic Impact & Sentry’s Commitment to Maui
The Sentry Tournament of Champions is a cornerstone of Maui’s economy,generating an estimated $50 million in revenue annually. The decision to relocate was not taken lightly, and Sentry, the tournament’s title sponsor through 2035, fully supported the PGA Tour’s choice.
“As we’ve saeid for years,Maui is a Sentry community not unlike our hometown of Stevens Point,Wisconsin,and that remains the case,” stated Stephanie Smith,Sentry’s chief marketing and brand officer. “Our communities are connected. We’ve built meaningful friendships throughout the island, and those relationships are bigger than the tournament.” This sentiment underscores Sentry’s long-term commitment to Maui, extending beyond the annual golf event.
A Legacy interrupted: Kapalua’s History with the PGA Tour
Kapalua has been intrinsically linked to the PGA Tour since 1982, initially hosting an unofficial event at the Bay course before the Plantation course, a landmark design by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, opened in 1991. The Tournament of Champions found its permanent home at Kapalua in 1999, becoming synonymous with the stunning Hawaiian landscape and challenging golf. The interruption of this tradition is a significant loss for both the Tour and the island.
looking Ahead: Tournament Location & Broader Implications
the immediate challenge for the PGA Tour is securing a new venue for the 2024 Tournament of Champions, which traditionally precedes the Sony open in Hawaii. La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, California, which hosted the tournament for years prior to its move to Kapalua, is a potential option.
The situation also highlights the growing importance of water resource management and infrastructure investment, notably in regions vulnerable to climate change. The dispute in Maui serves as a cautionary tale for other resort communities reliant on aging infrastructure and facing increasing water scarcity.
Furthermore, the PGA Tour’s decision demonstrates a growing awareness of corporate social responsibility and the need to prioritize community needs over economic gains, especially during times of crisis.The addition of Trump Doral to the 2026 schedule, while a separate development, underscores the Tour’s ongoing efforts to diversify its tournament locations and secure title sponsorships.
This situation is evolving. Stay tuned for updates on the 2024 Sentry Tournament of Champions location and the ongoing water crisis in Maui.
Resources:
* [ESPN – PGA Tour moves Tournament of Champions from maui due to drought](https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/38
