News Summary
The 2025 PGA Tour season kicks off with The Sentry at Plantation Course in Maui, Hawaii, featuring top players including Xander Schauffele and defending champion Chris Kirk. The tournament, running from January 2-5, boasts a $20 million purse, with exciting matchups expected, despite the absence of notable stars. Golf enthusiasts are eager to witness thrilling performances in this stunning setting.
The PGA Tour Kicks Off 2025 Season with Exciting Start
The much-anticipated 2025 PGA Tour season is off to an exciting start with the arrival of The Sentry, taking place at the beautiful Plantation Course in Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii. This premier tournament marks the first signature event of the year and is sure to attract golf enthusiasts and casual fans alike.
Who’s Playing?
The Sentry features an impressive lineup of the top 60 players from last season, including all the 2024 PGA Tour event winners and those who finished in the top 50 of the 2024 FedEx Cup standings. Star player Xander Schauffele tops the field, coming off a remarkable 2024 season where he clinched two major victories alongside racking up 15 top-10 finishes. He is definitely one to watch this weekend.
However, it’s not all good news for fans hoping to see their favorite stars battle it out. Notable absences include Scottie Scheffler, who is recovering from a hand injury sustained while preparing for Christmas dinner. It turns out he’ll need surgery to remove glass fragments from his hand! Other popular players who won’t join the action are Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and Shane Lowry.
The Defending Champion
Returning to defend his title is last year’s champion, Chris Kirk, who clinched victory with an impressive final round score of 65, narrowly defeating Sahith Theegala. Can Kirk revive that magical performance on the same course this year? Fans will be eagerly watching to see if he has the same fire.
Big Money at Stake
The 2025 Sentry is a high-stakes tournament, boasting a whopping $20 million purse. The winner will walk away with an impressive $3.6 million and 700 FedEx Cup points, making it a lucrative start to the season for many players. The competitive spirit is bound to be high as participants vie for the top spot.
When to Watch
Golf fans won’t want to miss any of the action, as The Sentry will be broadcast live. The Golf Channel will kick off the coverage on Thursday and Friday from 6-10 p.m. EST. As the weekend rolls around, fans can catch the excitement on NBC and Peacock on Saturday and Sunday from 4-6 p.m., before Golf Channel extends the coverage until 8 p.m. For those who prefer streaming, PGA Tour Live will be available on ESPN+ from Thursday to Sunday, from 12:30-10 p.m. EST.
The Course
The Plantation Course is not just any venue. Nestled in picturesque scenery, it was designed by renowned designers Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw and was built on former pineapple fields. The course is known for its unique topography and dramatic layout, stretching over 7,596 yards. Plus, it holds the title of being the only par-73 course on the PGA Tour schedule. Last year’s final round produced the lowest scoring average since 1983, so get ready for a thrilling race to the finish!
Notable Winners in the Field
Alongside established golfers, the tournament also welcomes first-time winners like Nick Dunlap, Austin Eckroat, and Chris Gotterup. With 31 PGA Tour tournament winners in the field, the competition promises to be fierce and exhilarating!
Mark Your Calendars!
The tournament is set to run from January 2 to January 5, 2025. So grab your popcorn, gather your friends, and get ready to cheer on your favorite players as they kick off what promises to be an unforgettable golfing season. With stunning views, thrilling competition, and a significant prize at stake, there’s no better way to dive into the New Year than with The Sentry!
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Additional Resources
- Golf Digest: The Sentry 2025 Viewer’s Guide
- NBC Sports: The Sentry 2025 Tee Times and Groupings
- Golf.com: 2025 Sentry Tournament TV Coverage and Tee Times
- CBS Sports: 2025 Sentry Predictions and Picks
- Essentially Sports: The Sentry 2025 Round One Weather Forecast