The drama and emotional peaks of 2025 may prove impossible to replicate, but golf in 2026 still promises a compelling year packed with major championships, historic venues, rising stars and unresolved tensions in a divided professional game.
With Rory McIlroy completing the career Grand Slam at Augusta and Europe reclaiming the Ryder Cup last year, the bar has been set extraordinarily high. Yet from Pennsylvania to Portrush, from Scottie Scheffler’s Grand Slam pursuit to the future of LIV Golf, the next 12 months will deliver no shortage of storylines.
Here is an A-to-Z guide to the venues, players and talking points set to define golf in 2026.
A Is for Aronimink and Major Championship Heritage
Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania takes centre stage as it hosts the 2026 US PGA Championship, coinciding fittingly with the 250th anniversary of American independence, celebrated in nearby Philadelphia.
The historic course last staged a men’s major in 1962, when Gary Player claimed victory. More recently, it has hosted the Women’s PGA Championship (2020) and PGA Tour events, with Keegan Bradley and Justin Rose among past winners.
Rose’s affinity for classical layouts — and his US Open triumph at nearby Merion in 2013 — makes him a fascinating contender at the season’s second major.
B Is for Birkdale and a Bold Open Championship Test
A significantly redesigned Royal Birkdale will welcome the Open Championship, with notable changes including:
- A new short par-three seventh
- The 14th hole reverting to a par five
- A brand-new par-three 15th
The Lancashire links remains one of the most atmospheric venues on the Open rota and is set to deliver a stern but fair test.
C Is for Cups That Will Command Attention
While there is no Ryder Cup in 2026, the calendar is still dominated by prestigious team events:
- The Solheim Cup heads to the Netherlands for the first time, where Anna Nordqvist’s Europe will aim to reclaim the trophy.
- Great Britain & Ireland defend the Curtis Cup in Los Angeles, led by Catriona Matthew.
- The Walker Cup returns to Lahinch as GB&I seek to regain the trophy.
- Brandt Snedeker’s USA face Geoff Ogilvy’s Internationals at Medinah in the Presidents Cup.
D Is for Division in the Men’s Game
Men’s golf remains firmly divided, with no sign of reconciliation between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. Despite LIV expanding to 72-hole events and increasing promotion places, official world ranking recognition remains unresolved — a storyline unlikely to be settled in 2026.
E Is for Evian’s Growing Status
Once considered the “fifth major”, the Evian Championship continues to grow in stature after Grace Kim’s dramatic playoff victory in 2025. A strong European showing this July could further cement its prestige within the women’s major landscape.
F Is for Ford and the Next Generation
David Ford, a 23-year-old left-hander from Georgia, is one of the most exciting young players to watch. After a record-breaking college career and topping the PGA Tour University rankings, Ford could be poised for a breakout year.
G Is for the Grand Slam Watch
With McIlroy’s historic achievement complete, attention now turns to Scottie Scheffler. After winning The Open and the PGA Championship in 2025, the world number one needs only the US Open to join golf’s most exclusive club.
Scheffler’s dominance — six wins in 2025 and a commanding world ranking lead — makes him the most likely next member of the career Grand Slam elite.
H Is for Houston and a New Major Venue
The Chevron Championship moves to Memorial Park in Houston, just weeks after the men’s Houston Open. Questions remain over whether the municipal course can recover in time to present a world-class test for the women’s major.
I Is for Italy and Ryder Cup Leadership
If Luke Donald steps aside as European Ryder Cup captain, an Italian double act of Francesco and Edoardo Molinari could emerge as leading candidates. Much depends on rulings over LIV-affiliated players and their eligibility for DP World Tour events.
J Is for Judgement Day on LIV Appeals
Early 2026 is expected to bring crucial decisions regarding Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton and other LIV players appealing DP World Tour sanctions. The outcome will shape Ryder Cup eligibility and European golf’s immediate future.
K Is for Koepka’s Next Chapter
With uncertainty surrounding LIV’s long-term structure, Brooks Koepka could yet find his way back to more traditional tours. The DP World Tour may be the most likely destination for the five-time major champion.
L Is for Lottie Woad and English Hopes
Lottie Woad has been one of the most explosive talents in British golf, climbing to 11th in the world rankings shortly after turning professional. Managing expectations and avoiding second-season syndrome will be her next challenge.
M Is for Major Breakthroughs
Tommy Fleetwood and Charley Hull could finally break their major droughts. Fleetwood will relish an Open at Birkdale, while Hull continues to prioritise majors after multiple near misses.
N Is for Nelly Korda’s Revival
Despite finishing 2025 without a win, Nelly Korda remains world number two. Improved putting could see her re-establish dominance alongside Jeeno Thitikul.
O Is for Order and On-Course Etiquette
Fan behaviour has become a growing concern. Authorities may need to act to preserve golf’s traditions of respect and decorum at major championships.
P Is for Penge and Parry
Englishmen Marco Penge and John Parry graduate to the PGA Tour in 2026. Penge’s power game, in particular, makes him one to watch.
Q Is for Rankings and LIV’s Expansion
With LIV increasing its roster and tournament length, the world rankings debate remains unresolved and controversial.
R Is for Riviera and Olympic Legacy
Riviera Country Club will host the US Women’s Open, adding to its growing legacy ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
S Is for Shinnecock Hills Drama
The US Open at Shinnecock Hills returns, with memories of 2004 and 2018 still fresh. Expect another demanding — and potentially controversial — championship.
T Is for Tiger Woods’ Influence
Though unlikely to compete, Tiger Woods’ influence off the course continues to grow, from shaping PGA Tour schedules to a possible future Ryder Cup captaincy.
X Is for Xander Schauffele
After injuries disrupted 2025, Xander Schauffele will aim to rediscover the form that delivered two majors in 2024.
Y Is for Young’s Rise
Cameron Young is now a Ryder Cup-proven winner and looks ready to break into golf’s top tier.
Z Is for Zalatoris and a Fresh Start
With the passing of Fuzzy Zoeller, Will Zalatoris carries the Z banner. After another back surgery, the 29-year-old hopes his “rebirth” leads to sustained success and further major contention.
Leave a Reply