News Summary
The Kapalua Golf Course will close for two months due to irrigation water shortages linked to drought and mismanagement. Owner TY Management blames Maui Land & Pineapple Co. for the issues, which threaten the condition of the course for the upcoming Sentry tournament. A lawsuit has been filed against MLP, highlighting concerns over economic impact on local businesses that depend on the prestigious event. The situation demands immediate resolution to ensure the tournament can proceed as planned.
Kapalua, Hawaii — The Kapalua Golf Course will be closing for two months beginning September 2, 2025, due to a critical lack of irrigation water. This unexpected closure is a strategic measure intended to safeguard the turf conditions at the Plantation Course in preparation for the upcoming Sentry tournament, which is scheduled to take place from January 8-11, 2026.
The owner of the course, TY Management, alleges that the Maui Land & Pineapple Co. (MLP) has failed to adequately maintain the irrigation system that supplies water to the Kapalua area. This situation has been exacerbated by a severe drought affecting the region, compelling MLP to cut irrigation supplies starting on August 29, 2025, due to excessive water consumption.
Prior to these recent developments, the Kapalua Golf Course operated under Tier 2 restrictions, allowing for 60% of normal irrigation. However, the situation escalated to Tier 4 restrictions, eliminating irrigation entirely, as claims of mismanagement surfaced. Since the irrigation cut, the Kapalua Golf Course has struggled with depleted turf conditions, raising alarms about the course’s readiness for the prestigious PGA Tour event.
Hideki Matsuyama, the 2025 champion of The Sentry tournament, recorded a PGA Tour record for 72 holes during his win, demonstrating the event’s significance within the golf community. The PGA Tour has been hosted on Maui for 27 years, contributing an estimated $50 million to the local economy, thereby underlining the importance of ensuring the tournament proceeds without complications.
According to TY Management, the failures of MLP to manage the Honokohau Ditch System have created water shortages that threaten not only the golf course but also fire protection and utility services for the local residents. The excessive water usage attributed to the golf courses has led to the enforcement of these irrigation restrictions by MLP.
MLP, in response to the ongoing conflict, maintains that their actions have adhered to guidance from the Commission on Water Resources Management, which prioritizes traditional uses and drinking water supply over irrigation needs. They have also stated that they have repaired the ditch system, contending that the current issues are a result of historically low stream flows rather than any mismanagement.
The condition of the golf course is under serious scrutiny, with Kapalua Golf management warning that the continuing drought and the lack of sufficient irrigation could render the course unplayable for the upcoming tournament. Alex Nakajima, the general manager, emphasized that the decision to close is focused on preserving turf health and optimizing available water resources.
As a response to the water crisis, a lawsuit has been filed against MLP by TY Management, several homeowners associations, and Hua Momona Farms. The lawsuit accuses MLP of water supply mismanagement, asserting that their actions have caused significant economic harm and jeopardized the viability of the community’s pivotal golfing event. The closure of the course raises concerns not only for the PGA Tour but also for local businesses that rely on the tournament’s success.
The Honokohau Ditch has historically provided essential water delivery from the West Maui mountains to the Kapalua area, playing a critical role in the irrigation of the golf courses. The timeline for resolving the water shortage issues and restoring the health of the turf before the January tournament is now crucial, as stakeholders work to navigate these pressing challenges. Successful resolution will depend on collaboration between TY Management, MLP, and local authorities to ensure the upcoming Sentry tournament can proceed as planned.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Miami Championship to Revive Golf at Trump National Doral
Additional Resources
- ESPN: Water Restrictions Puts Kapalua Course at Risk for PGA Tour Event
- Wikipedia: Kapalua Golf
- Maui Now: Kapalua Golf Courses to Temporarily Close
- Google Search: Kapalua Golf
- Hawaii News Now: Maui Golf Courses Sue Over Water Shortage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Golfweek: Kapalua Temporarily Closes Golf Courses due to Drought
- Google News: Kapalua Golf Water Restrictions
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
