The Sentry event at Kapalua's Plantation Course, canceled in October due to persistent drought, will not open the 2026 PGA Tour calendar on Maui. Title sponsor Sentry Insurance, undeterred, maintains its dedication to the island devastated by 2023 wildfires that killed over 100 people and destroyed Lahaina. Company leaders affirm Maui remains a core community, channeling funds through player-designated charities amid relocation uncertainties.
Charitable Commitments Persist Amid Absence
Sentry upholds its annual giving pledge with $2,000 donations per each of the 60 qualified participants, totaling $120,000. Maui United Way receives $60,000 directly, while players select an additional $1,000 each for local causes including the Maui Food Bank, Maui Community Foundation, The First Tee of Maui, Boys & Girls Clubs, and Save Maui Cats. Unspecified choices default to the Food Bank, ensuring broad support for recovery efforts.
Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Stephanie Smith acknowledges the setback for Maui's economy and visibility. She leads a delegation visiting next week, joined by CEO Pete McPartland, with a sales incentive trip set for April. These actions underscore corporate resolve to bolster a region still rebuilding from fire damage that razed historic sites and displaced thousands.
Uncertain Path Forward for Long-Term Sponsorship
Sentry's title sponsorship extends through 2035, but venue and timing hinge on drought resolution at Kapalua and PGA Tour's Future Competitions Committee, chaired by Tiger Woods. Smith expresses confidence in a 2027 return, though location remains fluid amid environmental challenges. Ongoing talks with the Tour explore options, reflecting broader tensions between water scarcity and coastal resort viability in Hawaii.
Wisconsin Golf Bodies Seek Key Staff Replacements
The Wisconsin PGA Section and State Golf Association address vacancies after departures of Erika Pirkl, who grew junior and veteran programs over nearly a decade, and others including Jenny Marshall. Pirkl's role, posted at jobs.pga.org, demands expertise in initiatives like PGA Junior League and PGA HOPE, which she expanded significantly. The WSGA seeks a tournament and volunteer coordinator, detailed at a linked job description.
WPGA Executive Director Joe Stadler notes the rarity of such turnover against long tenures of other staff, signaling opportunities for fresh leadership in growing grassroots engagement.
Fox Cities Honors Local Golf Pioneers in Debut Ceremony
The inaugural Fox Cities Golf Hall of Fame inducts eight figures, led by two-time PGA Tour winner J.P. Hayes and his father John M. Hayes, alongside Pete Benson, Bill Brodell, Mary Beth Nienhaus, Don Strutz, Chuck Bayer, and Carolyn Barnett-Howe. The July 16 event at Pullmans Waterfront Banquets in Appleton celebrates influencers from the Appleton area. Several honorees already reside in the Wisconsin Golf Hall of Fame, preserving regional legacies through community nominations at foxcitiesgolfhalloffame@gmail.com.
Other Regional Highlights
PGA of America ranks an emotional Cody “Beef” Franke’s victory at Big Cedar Lodge atop 2025’s unforgettable moments, ahead of Scottie Scheffler’s PGA win, highlighting personal triumphs amid loss. Marquette University offers a $425 two-day winter camp for grades 6-12 juniors at its indoor facility; contact Josh Robinson at joshua.robinson@marquette.edu for spots. LPGA star Nelly Korda, a Packers enthusiast, cheered from Lambeau Field sidelines in custom gear, linking her Bradenton base to Wisconsin fandom.
