As we begin the new year, I’d like to raise a glass to all of you: the dreamers, the early risers at the practice range, the weekend warriors. We ask each of you to help keep this beautiful game healthy and strong. As a PGA Professional and steward of the game, I would like to thank you.
I would also like to thank the Athlon Sports team for hiring me as a senior golf writer in 2025. It’s an honor to share the story with you about this game that means so much to me, and I look forward to seeing what 2026 brings.
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2025 brought us many highlights and memorable moments. Scottie Scheffler continued to raise the bar, winning six times, including the PGA Championship and the British Open at Royal Portrush. But despite all that Schaeffler accomplished, it wasn’t the trophies that stood out to me. He’s said this before, and he said it again this year. His words, “My identity is not my golf score,” still stick with me.
In a world where we are constantly asked to prove ourselves, Scheffler taught us that golf is not about who we are, but what we do. That’s a lesson to remember in 2026.
In 2025, Rory McIlroy finally completed a career Grand Slam with victory at the Masters. After years of close calls and increased pressure, he showed that persistence and belief pay off.
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If you’re pursuing anything in golf or in life, let Laurie’s path remind you that it’s not about timing. Breakthroughs happen when they’re meant to happen.
In 2025, women’s golf is on the rise, with Gino Titicle leading the way with three wins and back-to-back CME Group Tour Championships. There have been 29 different winners on the LPGA Tour. It’s not just about depth, it’s about opportunity and talent coming together like never before. It’s not just the women’s game that is currently attracting attention. It demands it and it deserves it.
We’ve seen rookies like 20-year-old former wrestler Aldrich Potgieter become the ninth-youngest PGA Tour winner since 1983. Marco Penzi has won the DP World Tour three times. Players from all over the world showed that this game is open to anyone willing to put in the effort.
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Now we look to 2026. I’m really excited.
The PGA Tour has tightened its structure by limiting full status to only the top 100 players. Some may say it’s a harsh change, but I think it’s fair. Golf has always rewarded merit, and these changes make that even more clear. You have to earn every week to stay on top.
This year’s major tournament will be held at Aronimink, Shinnecock Hills and Royal Birkdale. The Presidents Cup will be held in the Medina and the Solheim Cup in the Netherlands. We’ll see Titicle and Korda battle it out for the top spot on the LPGA Tour, and we’ll see if Scheffler can maintain his historic performance or if a new challenger emerges.
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What do you hope for in 2026? Play more golf. Let’s walk around more. Bring new people to the game. Remember, every shot, good or bad, is just one shot, and there’s always another opportunity ahead.
Golf teaches us patience, humility, and resilience. Those who prepare are rewarded and those who don’t are challenged. It gives us quiet mornings on empty fairways and friendships forged over 18 holes. It connects us to the past while always moving us forward.
So let’s toast to 2026! Thank you for the games that test us, humble us, and always bring us back. To the professionals who inspire us and to the friends who make us laugh. For early tee times, late putts, and everything in between.
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Happy New Year to all golfers. We hope your drives are longer, your putts are more accurate, and your enthusiasm for the game grows with each round.
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This article was originally published by Athlon Sports on January 1, 2026 and first appeared in the Golf section. Click here to add Athlon Sports as your preferred source.
