The world of golf is set for another exhilarating year following a spectacular 2025 season. With Rory McIlroy finally securing the Masters to complete his career Grand Slam and Europe clinching a memorable Ryder Cup victory on American soil, the stage is set for new dramas. As we turn the calendar to 2026, several compelling narratives are poised to dominate the fairways and headlines.
Scottie Scheffler's Historic Grand Slam Pursuit
World number one Scottie Scheffler stands on the brink of history. After adding the US PGA Championship and The Open at Royal Portrush to his collection in 2025, he now needs only the US Open to join the elite group of players who have won all four major championships. Scheffler will have his first chance to complete the career Grand Slam at Shinnecock Hills in June, aiming to emulate McIlroy's iconic achievement.
McIlroy himself became the first European to win all four majors with his emotional Masters triumph, doing so at his 11th attempt. The spotlight now shifts to Scheffler, who could accomplish the feat immediately. Meanwhile, other notable players like Phil Mickelson and Jordan Spieth continue their own quests to fill the remaining gaps in their major trophy cabinets.
A Defining Year for LIV Golf's Future
The Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit enters a critical phase in 2026. With a permanent peace settlement with the PGA Tour still elusive, both tours are planning independent futures. LIV is implementing significant changes, including switching its events to a traditional 72-hole format and expanding regular fields to 57 players.
However, the shock departure of five-time major winner Brooks Koepka just before Christmas represents a substantial blow. Koepka's future destination remains unclear, potentially involving a suspension before any PGA Tour return. This loss heightens the pressure on LIV to secure the loyalties of remaining stars, notably Bryson DeChambeau – the only other LIV player to win a major since the league's inception.
European Momentum and Tiger Woods' Next Chapter
Buoyed by their Ryder Cup success at Bethpage Black, Europe's leading players are tipped for a strong major season. Tommy Fleetwood, Europe's top points scorer in the Ryder Cup, will be a sentimental favourite at his home Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. Other contenders like Bob MacIntyre and Ludvig Aberg are also expected to challenge, particularly at Augusta National.
Off the course, the fate of European Ryder Cup heroes Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton hangs in the balance. Having played on Long Island while appealing bans and fines for joining LIV, they face a financial reckoning. From January 1, LIV will no longer cover these penalties. If their appeal fails, they must pay substantial fines to maintain PGA Tour membership and Ryder Cup eligibility, with Rahm having previously stated he will not pay on principle.
Tiger Woods: Captaincy Speculation and a Seniors Debut
All eyes will also be on Tiger Woods, who turns 50 and becomes eligible for the senior circuit. After multiple operations since his last competitive appearance at the 2024 Open, the 15-time major champion is back in training. A potential return at his Genesis Invitational in February is possible, followed by a likely debut on the PGA Tour Champions, where he could target a US Senior Open title to complete a unique US slam.
Behind the scenes, Woods' influence grows as he heads the PGA Tour's Future Competition Committee, tasked with designing a streamlined tour for 2027. Furthermore, 2026 is expected to bring an announcement confirming Woods as the next US Ryder Cup captain for the 2027 matches at Adare Manor in Ireland, owned by his friend JP McManus, though Woods has played coy about the prospect.
With these intertwined stories of legacy, conflict, and comeback, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where the sport's past, present, and future collide on and off the course.
