check-in weekly Hear our writers and editors’ unfiltered opinions as they analyze sports’ hottest topics. Also, join the conversation by tweeting below. @golf_com. This week, we preview the 2026 season, Scottie Scheffler’s outlook, and who will win their first major championship in 2026.
After several weeks off, the 2026 PGA Tour season begins Thursday at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Last week we touched on some bold predictions for this year, and this week we move on to part two of our season preview. Scotty Scheffler has won the PGA Tour Player of the Year award for the past four years, but will he take Scheffler or be on the field in 2026?
Josh Schrock, News Editor (@Schrock_And_Awe): I’m going to take the field. Scotty keeps getting better but eventually won’t win. all. At least, that’s what I think.
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Sean Zak, Senior Writer (@Sean_Zak): It’s a little surprising that Scheffler doesn’t win three championships in 2026. It feels like his floor. So who will win it? It’s certainly possible that Rory McIlroy could win the title, but it would have to happen at the biggest event. If Jon Rahm were a PGA Tour golfer, perhaps I would feel differently, but he doesn’t. So bring Scheffler to the field.
Jack Hirsh, Deputy Equipment Editor (@JR_HIRSHey): Well, it’s tough to bet against Scheffler. Last year, we wondered how he would top his seven-win season. How about winning six more times and doubling his career major total to set up a chance for a Grand Slam on Long Island this summer? Sometimes I think Rory McIlroy can be a better player at his best, depending on how he’s feeling that day, but he’s not playing every week like Scheffler is now. You can’t bet on that kind of sustained greatness.
If Scheffler doesn’t win, who will? Or who will be his runner-up?
Schlock: Take Tommy Fleetwood. The Monkey on the PGA Tour now has three wins, including a major, and a POTY.
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Zack: I think Xander Schauffele is back to the best shape in the world, so I’m going to put my chips in for him. His floor was never like that. that Despite overcoming some injury issues, he had his lowest performance in 2025. He will raise it this year.
Hirsch: I’m also on the Fleetwood hype, but I still don’t think he’ll surpass McIlroy (even if he wins the Masters like I expect).
Last year, Ben Griffin started the season winless, but won three times on the PGA Tour and earned a Ryder Cup pick. Who would you choose as the breakout player in 2026?
Schlock: I’d like to say Luke Clanton, but he’s had a dismal record since turning pro. He still has a lot of potential, but as a breakout player, I’d go in the other direction and pick multi-time champion Michael Thorbjornsen in 2026. Also, keep an eye on Marco Penzi, who has one of the best swings in golf and just won three DP World Tour races in 2025. If his game stays on track, I wouldn’t be shocked to see him stay hot on the new tour and get a win or two.
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Zack: Rasmus Heigo! With all due respect to Nico, I plant the flag that he is the better twin. He has won and competed on the DP World Tour many times. Good enough to expect him to do it on the PGA Tour. My dart throw is that he wins in the spring and probably wins in the fall as well.
Hirsch: Does Cameron Young matter? I know he got hot at the end of the season and finally joined the winner’s circle and was named LLVP (Least Valuable Player) for the U.S. at the Ryder Cup, but I see him carrying that momentum into at least two more wins this season.
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Plantation Course No. 18 at Kapalua.
JJ Spawn made one of the most memorable putts of the season last year to win the U.S. Open and win his first major. Which player who left the major leagues will win his first championship in 2026?
Schlock: I’ve already chosen Fleetwood to win a major, so I’m going to stay there. All eyes will be on him at the British Open, but I think he’ll do it at Shinnecock in June.
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Zack: I would like to believe in Viktor Hovland and his never-ending hunt. The talent is there. I hope everything goes well during the crucial few weeks.
Hirsch: Fleetwood wins the Masters. Ludwig Aberg was named Golfer of the Year. Did I stutter?
And who will be the Rookie of the Year in 2026?
Schlock: Please give me a penji. I love his swing and his attitude. He wins twice.
Zack: Up the Norwegian vibe and go with Christopher Reitan. DataGolf currently ranks him No. 39 in the world, which is about 40 spots higher than I expected. He hits it pretty far and his putts are great. On weeks when the irons are above average, you can win.
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Hirsch: I love Penji too, but I’m going with KFT’s Player of the Year, Johnny Keefer. He won almost $1 million on that tour last year and finished T7 at the year-end RSM. The sky is the limit for Baylor kids.
And your last bold wildcard prediction…?
Schlock: Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler will return to the winner’s circle in 2026. Spieth won at Pebble Beach in February, and Fowler won at RBC Heritage.
Zack: Sepp Straka, Major Champion.
Hirsch: The trio of 40-somethings Justin Rose, Gary Woodland and Adam Scott have combined for three championships and each finished T5 in a major.
The post Tour Confidential: 5 Burning Questions for the 2026 PGA Tour Season appeared first on Golf.
