These are the stars to watch in 2026, from those chasing major titles to young players aiming for a breakthrough.
As 2025 comes to an end, it’s time to look ahead to the upcoming year. Which players could take the next step in their careers and who might claim their first major? This year, Rory McIlroy finally won his long-awaited Masters title, while J.J. Spaun climbed from world No. 119 to the top 10 following his US Open win in June. So, who are the players likely to rise through the ranks or achieve long-held goals in the coming year?
Stars Hoping for Their First Major Title
The most obvious candidate on this list is Tommy Fleetwood. The 34-year-old Englishman won his first PGA Tour event last year with the FedEx Cup title, lifting a huge burden 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 carried strong form until year-end. It’s quite possible he will carry this into 2026 and finally capture his first major.
His fellow countryman Tyrrell Hatton is also a name to watch in the majors next year. Hatton already has major experience. Late mistakes cost him a chance to win the US Open in June, but the experience gained could prove invaluable if he gets another shot in 2026.
Cameron Young, Robert MacIntyre, and Ludvig Aberg also have definite chances to win their first major next year. Young, despite a somewhat inconsistent season, finished T4 at the US Open and won his first PGA Tour tournament, heading into the new season with confidence. MacIntyre also had a strong chance at J.J. Spaun’s victory, finishing second. Aberg is likely pinning most of his hopes on the Masters, where he was in contention for a long time this year before a poor finish.
Players Poised to Break Through to Stardom
One 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. He plans to make an impact on the American stage. He already showed promise by finishing T2 at the Genesis Scottish Open. With a strong drive and at 27 years old, Penge has the experience to handle the transition.
Harry Hall demonstrated his ability on the PGA Tour with a T17 finish at the Tour Championship. Known for his very steady play on the greens, he missed only 3 cuts in 2025. Next year could mark his breakthrough into the world’s elite, making him a player to watch at major events.
Jayden Schaper is the standout player so far in the 2026 DP World Tour season. In the first three events, he’s already won twice and finished T2 in the one he didn’t win. At just 24 years old, Schaper excels on the greens, requiring the fewest putts across the field. Maintaining this form will be key, but right now, he’s a DP World Tour player to follow closely.