These stars are to watch in 2026, from those aiming for major titles to young players breaking through.
As 2025 comes to an end, it’s time to look ahead to the coming year. Which players might take the next step in their careers or possibly win their first major? This year, Rory McIlroy finally claimed his long-awaited Masters title, and J.J. Spaun climbed from number 119 in the world to the top 10 following his US Open victory in June. So, who are the players in 2026 expected to rise through the ranks or achieve long-awaited goals?
Stars Hoping for Their First Major Title
The most obvious candidate on this list is Tommy Fleetwood. The 34-year-old Englishman won the FedEx Cup last year, his first PGA Tour title, lifting a huge weight off his shoulders. With his Ryder Cup success, victory at the DP World India Championship, and a narrow playoff loss at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, he maintained excellent form throughout the year. It’s quite possible he’ll carry this momentum into 2026 and claim his first major victory.
Fellow Englishman Tyrrell Hatton is another name to watch at majors in 2026. Having already gained major experience, late mistakes cost him the US Open title chance in June. Though tough to process, that experience may prove invaluable if he gets another shot next year.
Cameron Young, Robert MacIntyre, and Ludvig Aberg also have definite chances to win their first majors next year. Young, despite an inconsistent season, finished T4 at the US Open and won his first PGA Tour event, entering 2026 with confidence. MacIntyre was runner-up at J.J. Spaun’s victory and had strong chances, while Aberg will likely aim high at the Masters, where he was a serious contender this year before a weak finish cost him.
Players Poised to Become Stars
The surprise of the past DP World Tour season was Marco Penge. The Englishman finished second in the Race to Dubai and qualified for the PGA Tour for the first time. Penge intends to make an impact on the American scene, having finished T2 at the Genesis Scottish Open last year. His powerful driving suits the PGA Tour, and at 27, he has enough experience to handle the transition.
Harry Hall, with a T17 at the Tour Championship, has proven his capabilities on the PGA Tour. Known for his very reliable putting and missing only three cuts in 2025, he could make the leap into the world’s elite in 2026. Expect to see him at major tournaments.
The standout player so far in the 2026 DP World Tour season is Jayden Schaper. In his first three events, he has already won twice and finished T2 in the other. The 24-year-old excels on the greens, requiring the fewest putts among all competitors. Whether he can maintain this form remains to be seen, but he is definitely a DP World Tour player to watch.
Another DP World Tour player is Angel Ayora. At just 21, the Spaniard is one of the youngest