The PGA Tour is gearing up to kick off its 2026 season in a few days, but there are reports suggesting that a popular event in Hawaii may be on the chopping block for next year. The Sony Open in Hawaii is set to take place at the Waialae Country Club on the island of Oahu starting on January 15. Defending champion Nick Taylor will be back to defend his title, but it could be the last time the PGA Tour visits Hawaii.
According to Golf Digest, the decision to potentially axe the event is primarily due to the high operational costs of hosting a tournament in Hawaii. Additionally, Sony’s title sponsorship for the Hawaiian Open is coming to an end, as the company’s four-year extension from 2021 will expire after this year’s event.
NUCLR GOLF shared the news on social media, stating that the PGA Tour may no longer play in Hawaii after the proposed schedule restructuring in 2027. The Sony Open has been a staple on the Tour’s calendar since 1965, showcasing top golfers like Vijay Singh, Ernie Els, and Justin Thomas among its past champions.
This wouldn’t be the first time the PGA Tour has cut ties with a Hawaiian event. In October 2025, the Tour made headlines when it canceled The Sentry, the Tournament of Champions, due to drought-like conditions on Maui. The decision was made to not play at The Plantation Course at Kapalua for logistical reasons and other factors.
Tyler Dennis, the Chief Competitions Officer of the Tour, explained the decision in a press conference, expressing gratitude to their partners at Sentry for their collaboration. If the reports about the Sony Open in Hawaii are accurate, it would mark the end of the Tour’s traditional Hawaiian swing, which included events in both Maui and Honolulu.
As the PGA Tour prepares for its upcoming season, changes to the schedule could mean bidding farewell to a beloved event in Hawaii. The decision to potentially end the Sony Open in Hawaii highlights the challenges and considerations that go into planning the Tour’s calendar. Fans of the tournament will have to wait and see how this story unfolds in the coming months.
