Chris Gotterup of the United States and Adam Hadwin of Canada walk on the sixth hole during the first round of The Sentry 2025 (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
"Friday Fore-cast" prepares you for golf's major tours heading into the weekend. PGA Professional Brendon Elliott, a three-decade industry veteran, provides his insights for RG. In this installment, Elliott looks at this week's kick-off event of the 2025 PGA TOUR season.
The Sentry Tournament of Champions boasts a rich history that has given golf fans thrilling moments since its inception in 1953. The tournament has been hosted at various prestigious courses before permanently settling at the breathtaking Plantation Course in Kapalua, Maui, in 1999.
The story of this now staple event on the PGA TOUR started at the Desert Inn Country Club in Las Vegas, Nevada, where it remained until 1966. After that, the tournament temporarily moved to Southern California, hosting events at the Stardust Country Club in 1967 and 1968.
Then began a longer tenure at La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California, where the tournament flourished from 1969 to 1998. This period helped establish the event's reputation as a gathering for champions, inviting only those who won on the PGA TOUR in the previous year. In more recent years, those who made it to the field in the previous year's TOUR Championship have also been invited.
When it relocated to Maui in 1999, the tournament embraced a stunning backdrop and a challenging course that continually tested the stars of the PGA TOUR. Today, the Sentry Tournament of Champions symbolizes professional golf's evolution and enduring charm, blending historical significance with modern-day prestige.
The Plantation Course at Kapalua: The Sentry's Home Since 1999
The Plantation Course at Kapalua is one of the most visually impressive courses in the game, set against Maui's stunning scenery. This par-73 course stretches over 7,516 yards of rolling hills, designed by esteemed architects Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore. With dramatic elevation changes and wide fairways, it offers both excitement and breathtaking ocean views. Players must skillfully navigate its undulating surfaces and cleverly placed hazards, especially as the trade winds whip across the course. The Plantation's signature finishing hole, a lengthy par-5, often creates a dramatic spectacle, showcasing the players' strategy and skill as they strive for thrilling finishes.
Iconic Moments
The Sentry Tournament of Champions has been a backdrop for unforgettable moments in the game's history, featuring outstanding performances and nail-biting finishes. One of the most memorable showdowns took place in 2000 between golf legends Tiger Woods and Ernie Els. Woods and Els matched each other shot-for-shot in a final round filled with tension and excitement. Woods, famous for his nerves of steel, sunk an incredible 40-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to force a playoff.
In a gripping playoff that had fans on the edge of their seats, Woods and Els continued to battle until the second extra hole, where Woods clinched the victory with a remarkable birdie putt from nearly 30 feet. This win showcased Woods' dominance at the turn of the century and cemented the tournament's reputation for thrilling drama down the stretch. The 2000 contest remains one of modern golf's most unforgettable moments, representing the competitive spirit and sportsmanship that make The Sentry Tournament of Champions truly special.
Over the years, The Sentry has created a remarkable history of unforgettable moments, solidifying its reputation as a premier event on the PGA TOUR. From historic clashes to personal triumphs, the tournament embodies the spirit of competitive excellence and the enduring charm of golf at its highest level.
Scottie's Christmas Hand Injury: A Setback Indeed, But Will Return Soon
In an unfortunate freak accident, Scottie Scheffler, just weeks before the tournament, announced that he would be unable to compete in The Sentry due to a hand injury he sustained over Christmas. As reported by CBS Sports, the fan favorite and World #1 is now focused on recovery, with plans to return at The American Express later this month. His absence is undoubtedly disappointing for golf fans looking forward to seeing if he could keep up his staggering pace from 2024. Something tells me that Scottie will be just fine upon his return.
Players to Watch and Early Action
Even with Scottie Scheffler's unexpected withdrawal, The Sentry is shaping up to be an exciting weekend of golf. The field still boasts standout players, including Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, and Hideki Matsuyama — all regarded as top contenders. After completing the first round on Thursday, Tom Hoge leads the pack at 9-under par after an impressive opening 64 on the par-73 course. In one of the later groups to finish, Matsuyama joined Will Zalatoris with a solid opening round of 65, placing the duo just one shot behind Hoge at 8-under par.
Cameron Young, Collin Morikawa, and Canadian Corey Conners follow closely at 7-under par, just two shots back. Meanwhile, Schauffele had a challenging start, finishing at 1-under par with a 72, but it's still early in the tournament, and a course like The Plantation offers plenty of opportunities to score low.
Brendon Elliott, a distinguished PGA Professional, is best known for his dedication to the growth and development of junior golf. With nearly three decades of experience, Elliott has been recognized multiple times as one of the best instructors, both regionally and nationally.
Elliott's crowning achievement was being named the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award Winner, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication. He is the founder of Little Linksters, an award-winning youth golf academy and nonprofit that works with kids of all abilities to help them develop a passion for golf. His innovative teaching methods and love for the game have made significant impacts on students and the broader golfing community.
Additionally, Brendon, a Golf Writers Association of America member, has become a renowned freelance golf writer, further solidifying his position as a top professional in the industry.
