These stars are set to watch in 2026, from major title contenders to young players aiming for their breakthrough.
As 2025 comes to an end, it’s time to look ahead to the next year. Which players could take the next step in their careers and who might win their first major? This year, Rory McIlroy finally captured his long-awaited Masters title, and J.J. Spaun climbed from 119th to the top 10 in the world rankings following his US Open victory in June. So who are the players likely to rise in the ranks or achieve long-term goals in 2026?
Stars Eyeing Their First Major Title
The most obvious candidate on this list is Tommy Fleetwood. The 34-year-old Englishman claimed his first PGA Tour win last year with the FedEx Cup title, lifting a huge weight off his shoulders. Combined with his Ryder Cup success, victory at the DP World India Championship, and close playoff loss in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, he has maintained strong form throughout the year. It’s quite possible that he will carry this momentum into 2026 and capture his first major next year.
His compatriot Tyrrell Hatton is another name you can’t overlook at the majors in 2026. Hatton already has major experience. Late mistakes cost him a chance at the US Open title in June. Although that missed opportunity was hard to swallow, it provided invaluable experience that could prove decisive should he get another shot next year.
Cameron Young, Robert MacIntyre, and Ludvig Aberg also have definite chances to claim their first major victory in the coming year. Despite a somewhat inconsistent season, Young finished T4 at the US Open and secured his first PGA Tour win, entering the new season with confidence. MacIntyre also contended strongly during J.J. Spaun’s victory, finishing runner-up. Ludvig Aberg is likely putting his most hope in the Masters, where he was in contention for much of this year before faltering late.
Players Poised to Break Through to Stardom
One of the surprises of last DP World Tour season was Marco Penge. The Englishman finished second in the Race to Dubai, earning his first PGA Tour card. Penge aims to make a splash on the American stage. He already raised eyebrows last year with a T2 finish at the Genesis Scottish Open. His powerful driving makes his game well suited for the PGA Tour, and at 27 years old, he has the experience to handle the transition.
Harry Hall has also shown his capabilities, finishing T17 at the Tour Championship. Known for his extremely reliable putting, Hall missed only three cuts in 2025. The upcoming year could be when he rises into the world’s elite, making him a player to watch at major tournaments.
The standout star so far in the 2026 DP World Tour season is Jayden Schaper. In the first three events of the new season, he has already won twice and finished T2 in the only event he did not win. At just 24, he excels on the greens, requiring the fewest putts on average in the field. Whether he can sustain this form