The 2026 PGA fantasy golf campaign will get off to a slightly later start than usual because the Sentry golf tournament, the PGA Tour's usual season opener, was cancelled last fall.
Kapalua Resort's Plantation Resort, which hosts the lid-lifter, had been compromised by drought, water restrictions and legal wrangling, and attempts to find a temporary home for the Jan. 8-11 event were unsuccessful. The marquee opener, which features tournament winners and the top 50 players from the previous season's FedExCup points list, was to be the first of nine signature events in 2026 and offered $20 million in purses in 2025.
The cancellation of The Sentry doesn't just change the calendar; it alters the early-season strategy for fantasy golf managers. That means you are going to want RotoWire's fantasy golf draft kit to help guide you in your decisions. Traditionally, the limited-field event at Kapalua served as a "soft launch," allowing you to evaluate the form of the world's top 50 players in a no-cut format and see if their fantasy golf rankings are merited.
Now the Sony Open golf event, with its $9.1 million purse and lesser field, is the first event of the 2026 PGA season. It will be held at the Waialae Country Club in Honolulu from Jan. 15-18. Canadian golfer Nick Taylor is the defending champion, and we should learn which players will compete there in late December or early January.
What Changed Calendar Means for Fantasy Golf Managers
With the Sony Open now serving as the curtain-raiser, managers must navigate a full-field event with a 36-hole cut right out of the gate. This shift places a premium on "course horses" — players such as Chris Kirk or Corey Conners who historically excel at Waialae's tight, coastal layout — rather than simply banking on the elite "Signature Event" stars who might have otherwise used the first week of January to shake off the competitive rust. It's a good opportunity to check out PGA fantasy golf sleepers and busts as well.
Furthermore, the PGA Tour has announced a unique pivot to accommodate those who missed out on the $20 million Sentry showcase. Players who were eligible for the 2026 Sentry via a 2025 tournament win, but finished outside the top 50 in the FedExCup standings, will instead be granted entry into the RBC Heritage Signature Event in April.
For fantasy purposes, this creates a "stashing" opportunity when making their PGA picks. Savvy managers should keep a close eye on these specific winners during the spring swing. Their added opportunity to compete in a high-point Signature Event later in the season significantly boosts their long-term value in season-long and dynasty formats.
Be sure to subscribe to RotoWire for your fantasy golf needs all season long.
