The 2026 Professional Golf Association (PGA) Tour season begins with a fresh start and plenty of excitement as golfers return to competition after a short one-month offseason. A writer from the PGA Tour’s website said, “It is important for players to start strong, knowing that strong finishes in the opening events can build confidence and momentum for the months ahead.” Fans will see a mix of familiar stars like Scottie Scheffler and Tommy Fleetwood and also younger players like Luke Clanton and Aldrich Potgieter trying to make a name for themselves. As the season gets started, these early tournaments will offer a first look at who is playing well and which golfers could become major contenders and champions as the year goes on (PGA Tour).

     Scottie Scheffler will likely continue his dominant streak; some people are even comparing his dominance and win streaks to those of Tiger Woods. Andrew Beaton, a writer for the Wall Street Journal, said, “Scheffler is the most dominant player since Tiger Woods, and there are numbers to prove it.” I disagree. In the six years that Scottie has been on the PGA Tour, he has won seventeen events, including four majors, which is very impressive. Tiger, in his first six seasons, won 29 events, including seven majors; he even completed a Career Grand Slam in 1999 alone, winning all four major tournaments. (ESPN)

     Other golfers to watch this year are Tommy Fleetwood and Rory McIlroy. Both McIlroy and Fleetwood had eight top-10 finishes in 2025. Rory had three wins, and Tommy had only one win, but came close so many times that he had the most top-five finishes on tour (PGA Tour). Tommy is looking to have a better year this year. PGATour.com writer Paul Hodowanic said that Fleetwood is the most likely golfer to win their first major this year. Hodowanic said, “The venues for 2026 are set up even better for the reigning FedExCup champion. His best finish at a major came in a runner-up at the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills in 2018. The venue again plays host to the U.S. Open this year, and Fleetwood is a far better player than he was eight years ago.” Fleetwood also has very good ball striking, which always fits at Augusta during the Masters

     Rory has made many changes to his gear during the offseason, including changing his irons, driver, and fairway woods. Jack Hirsh from Golf.com said, “The World No. 2 golfer and reigning Masters champion showed up this week in Dubai, starting his 2026 season with just two of the same clubs (his 4-iron and putter) that he used during his triumph at Augusta nine months ago.” Rory was using the Rors Proto Irons that Taylormade custom made him when he signed with them in 2017 (Hirsh, 2025). He has now switched to cavity back irons, the Taylormade P7CB Customs. 

     There are not many younger threats currently on the Tour, but players like Luke Clanton and Aldrich Potgieter have the opportunity to challenge some tournaments this season. In 2025, Clanton had three top-five finishes and two second-place finishes, including the John Deere Classic. Potgeiter also had three top-five finishes and got his first PGA Tour win in 2025 at the Rocket Classic in Detroit.

     The 2026 PGA Tour season begins with excitement as top and young players return after a short offseason. Scottie Scheffler remains the guy to beat, some comparing his current dominance to that of Tiger Woods. Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood are also strong contenders after consistent performances in 2025. Fleetwood aims for his first major, and McIlroy makes key equipment changes. Young players like Luke Clanton and Aldrich Potgieter add competition as they look to continue their rise and challenge the Tour’s established stars.