A Prestigious PGA Tour Kickoff Event
Introduction
The Sentry is one of the most anticipated tournaments on the PGA TOUR, serving as the season-opening event each year. Held at the stunning Plantation Course at Kapalua in Maui, Hawaii, this tournament offers an exclusive field featuring only winners from the previous PGA TOUR season, making it a showcase of champions.
With its breathtaking ocean views, wide fairways, and dramatic elevation changes, The Sentry provides an exciting and scorable test of golf. As one of the elite limited-field events, it offers FedExCup points, a substantial purse, and a chance for players to set the tone for the year.
In this article, we explore the history, format, unforgettable moments, and legacy of this iconic tournament, revealing why The Sentry remains a highlight of the PGA TOUR schedule.
A Storied Legacy: The History of The Sentry
The Sentry—formerly known as the Tournament of Champions—was first played in 1953 at Desert Inn Country Club in Las Vegas. It has since evolved into one of the PGA TOUR’s most prestigious invitationals.
Key Milestones in Tournament History:
- 1953: The inaugural event is held in Las Vegas, won by Al Besselink.
- 1969: The tournament moves to La Costa Resort and Spa in California, remaining there for nearly 30 years.
- 1999: The event relocates to Kapalua Resort in Hawaii, taking advantage of the breathtaking setting and unique course.
- 2013: Dustin Johnson wins for the first time, marking the beginning of his dominance in the event.
- 2021: Harris English claims victory in a playoff, securing his first PGA TOUR win in eight years.
- 2023: The tournament is rebranded as The Sentry, strengthening its identity with an exclusive champions-only field.
Tournament Format & Structure
The Sentry is a no-cut event, meaning every player competes in all four rounds, creating an intense battle from start to finish.
Key Tournament Details:
- Total Purse: $15,000,000 (2024 projected)
- Winner’s Share: $2,700,000
- FedExCup Points: 550 for the winner
- Entry & Qualification:
- Only winners of PGA TOUR events from the previous season are invited.
- Select players who finished top 30 in the FedExCup standings but did not win may also qualify.
This format ensures an elite field, with only the best performers from the previous year competing.
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Iconic Venue: The Plantation Course at Kapalua
Since 1999, The Sentry has been played at the Plantation Course at Kapalua, a par-73, 7,596-yard masterpiece designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw.
Course Highlights:
- Wide fairways and dramatic elevation changes, making it one of the most scorable courses on TOUR.
- Longest Course on the PGA TOUR – The course’s 7,596 yards and severe downhill slopes allow for some of the longest drives seen all year.
- Signature Holes:
- Hole 15 (Par 5, 550 yards) – A reachable par 5 with breathtaking ocean views.
- Hole 17 (Par 4, 550 yards) – A rare long par 4 that plays significantly downhill.
- Hole 18 (Par 5, 677 yards) – One of the most exciting finishing holes in golf, with the potential for massive drives and eagle opportunities.
Kapalua is famous for wind conditions that change daily, challenging players to adjust their strategy on the fly.
Unforgettable Highlights in The Sentry’s History
2013: Dustin Johnson’s Dominance
- Johnson overcame tough weather delays to win his first title at Kapalua, starting a dominant stretch in the event.
2017: Justin Thomas’ Record-Setting Victory
- Thomas set the tournament record at -30, proving just how low scores can go on the Plantation Course.
2023: Jon Rahm’s Incredible Comeback
- Rahm came from seven shots behind on the final day to secure victory, marking one of the greatest final-round performances in event history.
🏆 Recent Champions of The Sentry
- 2024: Chris Kirk – [-29]
- 2023: Jon Rahm – (-27)
- 2022: Cameron Smith – (-34) Tournament Record
- 2021: Harris English – (-25)
- 2020: Justin Thomas – (-14) Won in a playoff
Golfing Icons & Their Triumphs at The Sentry
The Sentry has seen victories from some of golf’s biggest legends, including:
- Tiger Woods (1997, 2000) – One of the few multiple-time winners of the event.
- Dustin Johnson (2013, 2018) – A dominant force in Kapalua with record-breaking driving distance.
- Justin Thomas (2017, 2020) – Two-time winner and course record holder.
- Cameron Smith (2022) – Set the tournament scoring record at -34.
- Jon Rahm (2023) – Showcased one of the greatest final-round comebacks in history.
Traditions & Trophies That Define The Sentry
- The Plantation Course Lei Ceremony – Champions are crowned with traditional Hawaiian leis, embracing the local culture.
- Aloha Spirit – Players and their families fully immerse themselves in the Hawaiian experience, making it one of the most relaxed stops on TOUR.
- The Sentry Trophy – A beautifully crafted Hawaiian-themed trophy, symbolizing the event’s deep connection to the islands.
Record-Breaking Moments & Fascinating Facts
- Lowest Winning Score: -34 (Cameron Smith, 2022)
- Largest Margin of Victory: 9 strokes (David Duval, 1999)
- Longest Drive Ever Recorded: 449 yards (Dustin Johnson, 2018)
- First Tournament Champion: Al Besselink (1953)
Why The Sentry Matters in Golf
The Sentry is more than just a season-opening event—it’s a celebration of champions and a predictor of greatness. Here’s why it stands out:
- Exclusivity – Only the best players from the previous year can qualify.
- FedExCup Impact – With 550 points awarded to the winner, this event can shape a player’s season early on.
- Scenic Venue – Kapalua’s stunning Hawaiian views make it one of the most visually appealing stops on TOUR.
- PGA TOUR Kickoff – Sets the tone for the entire season, often showcasing rising stars and dominant players.
Conclusion
The Sentry is a one-of-a-kind tournament, blending elite competition, breathtaking scenery, and rich traditions. As the season’s first event, it provides an early glimpse into who will dominate the PGA TOUR in the year ahead.
Whether you’re a golf purist, a casual fan, or someone who appreciates world-class athletic competition set in paradise, The Sentry is an unmissable event.
