These stars are set to watch in 2026, from major title hopefuls to young players aiming for a breakthrough next year.
As 2025 comes to an end, it’s time to look ahead to the coming 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 soared from world number 119 into the top 10 with his results around his June US Open victory. So, who are the players to watch in 2026 as they aim to climb the ranks or achieve long-awaited goals?
Major Contenders Hoping for Their First Title
The most obvious candidate on this list is Tommy Fleetwood. The 34-year-old Englishman won the FedEx Cup last year, claiming his first PGA Tour victory and lifting a huge weight off his shoulders. With Ryder Cup success, a DP World India Championship win, and a narrow playoff loss at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, he maintained great form throughout the year. It’s quite possible he will carry this momentum into 2026 and secure his first major victory.
His compatriot Tyrrell Hatton is another name to watch at majors next year. Hatton already has major experience, having narrowly missed winning the US Open in June due to late mistakes. Although that missed opportunity was tough to process, it provided invaluable experience that could be crucial if he gets another chance in 2026.
Cameron Young, Robert MacIntyre, and Ludvig Aberg also have definite chances to celebrate their first major success next year. Young, despite a somewhat uneven season, finished T4 at the US Open and claimed his first PGA Tour win, entering the new season with confidence. MacIntyre was runner-up at the tournament won by J.J. Spaun, and Ludvig Aberg will likely have his highest hopes at the Masters, where he had strong chances until a poor finish cost him dearly.
Players Poised to Break Through to Stardom
The surprise of last 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 aims to use this opportunity to make a splash on the American stage. He announced himself with a T2 finish at the Genesis Scottish Open last year. With his powerful drive, his game suits the PGA Tour well, and at 27, he has enough experience to handle the transition.
Harry Hall has already proven his ability on the PGA Tour with a T17 finish at the Tour Championship. Known for his exceptionally steady putting, he missed only three cuts in 2025. A breakthrough into the world’s elite could come next year, and he is certainly a player to watch at the big events.
The star of the current 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 his only other tournament. The 24-year-old impresses with his putting, requiring the fewest putts on the greens among all participants so far. Whether he can maintain