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When Rory McIlroy won his first Masters title last year and completed a career Grand Slam, becoming only the sixth golfer in history to achieve that feat, he jokingly wondered what everyone will be talking about in 2026. After such a momentous occasion – and a whole year of golf stories – it was possibly an understandable position to take.
But any golf fan will tell you that the sport never stops. There is always something happening, and 2026 is set to be another 12 months of excitement, drama, and surprises. There is so much going on that we thought we would take a look at some potential moments that might make the annual highlight reel this time next year.
The early weeks of 2026 have already shown that the sport will continue to thrive and grow. We may not be able to help you predict who will win the golf majors this year, but here are some things to look out for in the months ahead.
Tiger Woods’ Shift in Priorities
For many, he is the best there ever was. Tiger Woods completely changed the face of golf, and his achievements in the sport will always be the benchmark for true greatness. Woods transcended the sport, and it is not an overstatement to say that golf would not be as popular with the general public if he had never picked up a club when he was a small boy.
All great sporting careers must come to an end, however. It is very likely that Tiger Woods will be unable to add to his incredible 15 major titles. But that doesn’t mean that he won’t play a part in the future of the sport. Woods could be just as influential off the course as on, with the potential to have a major say in the revamping of the PGA Tour, as well as a future US Ryder Cup captaincy. Those magic moments on the green may be gone, but we have not seen the last of the legendary Tiger Woods.
Scheffler to Join an Exclusive Club
Tiger Woods would have welcomed Rory McIlroy to an exclusive club last year when the Northern Irishman won the Masters and completed that career Grand Slam. Aside from those two greats, only Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, and Jack Nicklaus had completed the set. But we may not have too long to wait for a new, seventh member.
There are others still playing who could theoretically swell the roll call of the Grand Slam club. Jordan Spieth just needs the PGA, while Phil Mickelson could wrap up his own personal foursome with victory at the US Open. But it is Scottie Scheffler who looks much more likely to become number seven. His two majors victories in 2025 set him up nicely for this year and show that he is the player in form. Victory at the US Open in June would do the trick.
Cups to Shine
There will obviously be a lot of attention on the majors, as usual, in 2026. That will be especially true if Scottie Scheffler starts off the year in the same kind of form. But it is also likely that there will be a lot of golf fans taking a lot of notice of the various cups being played out this year.
There may not be a Ryder Cup in 2026 (although the excitement and anticipation is already rising for the next event in 2027), but there is still some very prestigious events taking place over the next 12 months. The Netherlands will host the Solheim Cup for the first time ever, with Europe hoping to regain the trophy. The Curtis and Walker Cups will also be worth a watch, while the US faces the Internationals in the Presidents Cup in September.
A Close Eye on Koepka
Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour from LIV Golf has been one of the biggest golf stories of recent times. It seems as though the pros have largely welcomed him back onto the fold, while using his actions as a way of putting the rival tour down. Rory McIlroy, in particular, has been very vocal about LIV’s “decline”.
Koepka has been fast-tracked back into the PGA Tour, and he will hope that more golf action will improve his chances in the majors, where he missed the cut in three out of four in 2025. Playing more frequently may well help his game, although he had hardly been setting the LIV alight. Golf pundits and fans will be eager to see whether he can regain his status, however, and he should continue to be one of the big stories of 2026.
A Sport Divided but Unbowed
That chasm forged between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour shows no signs of disappearing. Where there was some hope not too long ago, there now seems like there will be little chance of the two organizations coming together anytime soon. The PGA Tour still has a lot to do, but the initial target of countering the challenge from LIV has largely been achieved.
Despite major investment, LIV Golf still struggles for ratings and is something of a niche in the market, rather than the main attraction that it hoped to be. The PGA Tour steadied its ship and has surprised many of its critics by coming through to the other side. But there is still a lot more it can do.
That being said, even with this division scarring the sport, golf continues to go from strength to strength. It still consistently produces new heroes, elevating the game to higher levels – and 2026 could turn out to be another incredible year.
