HONOLULU, Hawai’i– Earlier this month, the PGA announced that The Sentry, the first stop on the PGA tour, will not be played at The Plantation Course at Kapalua for the first time since 1999. The decision was made after the course’s conditions deteriorated due to a lack of irrigation water.
The tournament brings an estimated $48 million in economic activity to Maui each year and hundreds of thousands of dollars in charitable donations to Maui nonprofit organizations.
Kapalua Golf owner, Tadashi Yanai, expressing his commitment to support the Maui community, pledged a total donation of $750,000 to various Maui nonprofits, including Scouting America –Aloha Council, Hale Makua Health Services, J. Walter Cameron Center, Ka Lima O Maui, Lahainaluna High School Foundation and Lahaina Junior Golf.
“Mr. Yanai has always been steadfast in his commitment to Maui,” said Governor Josh Green. “After the 2023 Maui wildfires, he led the first privately funded housing project for displaced workers and now he is stepping up again with this generous $750,000 pledge. These funds will keep vital services and programs moving forward, from healthcare to youth development. His leadership reminds us that Maui’s strength lies in the generosity and resilience of its people.
“We will continue working with him, Mayor Bissen and our community partners to ensure Maui’s recovery and future remain strong.”
In addition, the funds will help support The Boys & Girls Club of Maui – Lahaina, Aloha Puʻu Kukui Watershed, Hawaiʻi State Junior Golf Association/First Tee of Hawaiʻi, Hua Momona Farms, Kapalua Maui Charities, Maui Junior Golf, University of Hawaiʻi — Maui College, Maui United Way and Maui Striker Soccer Club, among others that are historically supported by The Sentry PGA Golf Tournament.
“We are deeply grateful to Mr. Yanai for this extraordinary show of generosity at a time when Maui needs it most,” said Maui Mayor Richard Bissen. “While the loss of The Sentry in 2026 is difficult, his pledge ensures that critical programs in health, education, youth sports, and community resilience will continue to thrive.”
Through this donation, Kapalua Golf / TY Management reaffirms their commitment to the Maui community.
“On behalf of Lahaina Junior Golf Association (LJGA), we extend our heartfelt mahalo to Mr. Yanai for his compassion towards our Maui community,” said LJGA President Joel Navarro. “Your generosity, specifically to LJGA, is an investment in the lives of our junior golfers and their families, many of whom continue to rebuild and find hope through the game of golf.
“We are also able to continue to provide opportunities that nurture education and camaraderie; values that extend far beyond the golf course and into their daily lives.”
Although The Sentry PGA tournament will not be played at Kapalua in 2026, Kapalua Golf is working hard to plan and prepare to host the tournament again in 2027.