PGA Tour Returning to Maui for 2024 Season Opener as Island Continues Recovery After Wildfires

Hawaii's governor said the decision would bring 'hope for recovery' to residents and businesses.

The PGA Tour said Thursday it will return to Maui for the season-opening Sentry tournament at the Kapalua Resort with the blessing of Hawaii’s governor in the wake of deadly wildfires that impacted much of the island and caused nearly 100 deaths.

The Tour notified players eligible for the tournament with a memo and later announced the decision.

The PGA Tour's 2024 season will begin in Maui, Hawaii :: Matt York/AP

"Working in cooperation with state, county and community officials, the PGA Tour is committed to play The Sentry in 2024 at the Plantation Course at Kapalua," said Tyler Dennis, chief competitions officer for the PGA Tour, in the memo to players. “Hawaii governor Josh Green has been emphatic in his support of our event and others, recently stating:

"This decision (to allow visitors and events) is meant to bring hope for recovery to the families and businesses on Maui that have been so deeply affected in every way by this disaster. People from Hawaii and around the world can resume travel to this special place and help it begin to recover economically."

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan had said last month at the Tour Championship that the Tour was committed to playing the Maui event if allowed by local officials.

Kapalua’s Bay course reopened Wednesday and the Plantation course, site of the tournament, is expected to reopen next month.

Jon Rahm is the defending champion of the tournament, the first of eight signature events on the PGA Tour in 2024.