Miles Bennett
The Sentry is a golf tournament that takes place on Maui at Kapalua's Plantation Course in Hawaii. It is the calendar-year opening tournament of golf's PGA Tour season. The tournament was founded in 1953 and was previously called the Tournament of Champions. Sentry Insurance became the event's title sponsor in 2018, signing a five-year agreement that was later extended through 2030. SentryWorld, an award-winning golf course and boutique hotel in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, hosted the 2023 U.S. Senior Open.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Maui, Hawaii |
| Course | Plantation Course at Kapalua |
| Resort | Kapalua Resort |
| Year | 2025 |
| Tournament | Tournament of Champions |
| Sponsors | Sentry Insurance, Mercedes-Benz, Korean Broadcasting Company, Hyundai |
| Golf Course | SentryWorld, Stevens Point, Wisconsin |
| Ranking | Top 100 nationally ranked public golf course |
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What You'll Learn
The Sentry tournament is played on Maui at Kapalua's Plantation Course
The Sentry Tournament, previously known as the Tournament of Champions, is an annual golf tournament that is played on Maui at Kapalua's Plantation Course. The tournament is hosted at the beginning of the calendar year, marking the first PGA Tour event. It was founded in 1953 and was initially restricted to golfers who had won a tournament during the previous calendar year. However, eligibility has since expanded to include players who qualified for the preceding Tour Championship.
The Plantation Course at Kapalua spans 7,596 yards, making it one of the longest courses on the PGA Tour. It is also the only par-73 course on the tour. The course is located near Lahaina on the island of Maui in Hawaii. The tournament has a rich history, with notable winners such as Hideki Matsuyama, who broke the PGA Tour record to par for 72 holes in 2025, and Cameron Smith, who set a record for the lowest score in 2022.
Sentry Insurance has been the title sponsor of the tournament since 2018, with an agreement that was later extended through 2030. Their involvement in golf has helped deepen relationships with businesses and communities, and they have demonstrated a strong commitment to the island of Maui. In addition to the tournament, SentryWorld, their award-winning destination course in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, has been in operation since 1982 and has hosted notable events such as the 2023 U.S. Senior Open.
The Sentry Tournament is not only a showcase of exceptional golf but also a platform for community engagement and support. In 2023, the tournament donated to over a dozen Maui non-profits, and the Sentry Foundation matched employee donations to address the aftermath of the Maui wildfires. This commitment to the community extends beyond the tournament, with the Connected Communities initiative fostering collaborations between Maui and Stevens Point breweries.
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The Sentry is the first tournament of the PGA Tour season
The Sentry Tournament of Champions is the first tournament of the PGA Tour season. The tournament is hosted on the island of Maui, Hawaii, and was founded in 1953. For most of its history, only golfers who had won a tournament on the tour during the previous calendar year were allowed to participate. However, players who qualified for the preceding Tour Championship are now invited as well. The tournament was previously known as the Tournament of Champions, but the name was dropped in 2010 when the tournament entered a new ten-year agreement with Korean broadcasting company Seoul Broadcasting System, with the tournament being renamed the SBS Championship. In 2017, Sentry Insurance became the event's title sponsor, signing a five-year agreement that was later extended through 2030.
The tournament is held during the first week of January and, since 1999, has been played over the Plantation Course at the Kapalua Resort near Lahaina on Maui. The Plantation Course is one of the longest courses on the PGA Tour, spanning 7,596 yards, and is the only par-73. The tournament has featured some notable performances, including Hideki Matsuyama's record-breaking performance in 2025, where he shot the lowest 72-hole-to-par score in PGA Tour history (-35) to win the tournament. Other winners include Cameron Smith, who won in 2022 with a record-setting performance of his own, finishing at 34-under, the lowest score for a 72-hole event in PGA Tour history.
The Sentry Tournament of Champions has a rich history and has undergone several name changes and sponsorship agreements. It serves as a prestigious platform for golfers to kick off the PGA Tour season, with the opportunity to compete on one of the longest and most challenging courses on the tour.
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The tournament was founded in 1953
The Sentry golf tournament, currently held at Maui's Plantation Course at Kapalua, was founded in 1953 as the Tournament of Champions (TOC). The inaugural tournament was won by Al Besselink, who clinched the title by one shot over Chandler Harper.
For most of its early history, only golfers who had won a tournament on the PGA Tour during the previous calendar year were allowed to participate in the TOC. From 1986 to 2013, it served as the opening event of each tour season. In 2013, the PGA Tour adopted a wrap-around season that starts in September and ends in August.
Over the years, the tournament has had several title sponsors and name changes. From 1975 to 1990, the tournament was sponsored by Mutual of New York (MONY). German carmaker Mercedes-Benz then sponsored the event for 16 years, during which the Tournament of Champions name was dropped. In 2010, the tournament was renamed the SBS Championship after signing a sponsorship deal with the Korean broadcasting company, Seoul Broadcasting System.
In 2018, Sentry Insurance became the event's title sponsor, signing a five-year agreement that was later extended through 2030. The tournament also underwent a name change and became known as The Sentry.
SentryWorld, an award-winning golf course in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, has also hosted notable golf events, including the 2023 U.S. Senior Open.
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The tournament was previously called the Tournament of Champions
The Sentry Tournament of Champions is an annual golf tournament held on Maui at Kapalua's Plantation Course, Hawaii. The tournament was founded in 1953 and was previously called the Tournament of Champions. It is the calendar-year opening tournament of golf's PGA Tour season.
For most of its history, only golfers who had won a tournament on the tour during the previous calendar year were eligible to participate. However, players who qualified for the preceding Tour Championship are now also invited. From 1986 through 2013, it was the opening event of each tour season. The PGA Tour switched to a wrap-around season in the fall of 2013, starting in September and ending in August.
The tournament has had several title sponsors over the years, with Sentry Insurance signing on as the event's title sponsor in 2018. The sponsorship agreement was later extended through 2030, and then further extended through 2035.
The Sentry Tournament of Champions features PGA Tour winners from the previous season, including the FedExCup Fall event, as well as the top 50 players in the FedExCup standings. The tournament is known for its exciting and competitive environment, with players vying for the coveted trophy.
In recent years, notable winners of The Sentry include Cameron Smith in 2022, who set a record for the lowest score in a 72-hole event in PGA Tour history, and Hideki Matsuyama in 2025, who shot the lowest 72-hole-to-par score in PGA Tour history.
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SentryWorld is an award-winning golf course in Stevens Point, Wisconsin
SentryWorld is known for its charming and luxurious accommodations, as well as its artful dining experiences. The golf course is renowned for its scenic beauty and challenging design, attracting golfers of all skill levels. It has been recognised by Golf Digest as one of the "Best Golf Courses in Wisconsin" and has consistently ranked highly in various golf course rankings.
The course is also committed to supporting youth and junior golf initiatives. It hosted the Rolex Girls Junior Championship in 2025, featuring 72 of the top junior girls in the world. SentryWorld is dedicated to growing the game of golf and supporting underserved communities, partnering with organisations like First Tee to enhance curriculum and promote diversity and inclusion in the sport.
In addition to its golf offerings, SentryWorld provides a unique and memorable experience for visitors. The on-site boutique hotel offers comfortable and luxurious accommodations, while the dining options showcase the seasonal flavours of Wisconsin. The course also features music events, hosting some of the hottest bands in the area.
SentryWorld has become a sought-after destination for golfers seeking a challenging and scenic course, as well as those looking for a luxurious and immersive golf experience. It stands as a testament to the popularity and prestige of golf in Wisconsin and beyond.
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Frequently asked questions
The Sentry golf tournament is played on the island of Maui, Hawaii, at Kapalua's Plantation Course.
The Plantation Course at Kapalua spans 7,596 yards, making it one of the longest courses on the PGA Tour. It is also the only par-73 course on the tour.
Yes, there is an award-winning golf course called SentryWorld in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. This course has been open since 1982 and has been ranked as one of the "Top 100 Courses in the U.S."
