These stars are set to watch in 2026, from those pursuing major titles to young players aiming for breakthroughs.
As 2025 comes to a close, 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 victory? This year, Rory McIlroy finally captured his long-awaited Masters title, and J.J. Spaun catapulted from world number 119 into the top 10 following his US Open win in June. So, who are the players in 2026 poised to rise through the ranks or finally achieve long-held goals?
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, lifting a huge weight off his shoulders. Alongside his Ryder Cup success, victory at the DP World India Championship, and narrow playoff loss at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, he maintained strong form throughout the year. It’s quite possible he’ll carry this momentum into 2026 and claim his first major victory next year.
His countryman Tyrrell Hatton is also a name not to be overlooked at the majors in 2026. Hatton already has major experience; late mistakes cost him a shot at the US Open title in June. While that missed opportunity was hard to process, it provided invaluable experience that could prove crucial if he gets another chance next year.
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 event, entering the new season with confidence. MacIntyre also contended strongly, finishing second to J.J. Spaun, while Aberg will likely pin his hopes on the Masters, where he was a serious contender this year before faltering late.
Players Poised to Break Through as Stars
The surprise of last season’s DP World Tour was Marco Penge. The Englishman finished second in the Race to Dubai and qualified for the PGA Tour for the first time. Penge is eager to make an impact on the American stage. He already made a statement last year with a T2 finish at the Genesis Scottish Open. With a powerful drive and sufficient experience at 27 years old, he should adapt well to the PGA Tour.
Harry Hall has already demonstrated his skills on the PGA Tour with a T17 finish at the Tour Championship. His steady putting and consistent performance—with only three missed cuts in 2025—suggest he could break into the world’s elite next year. He will surely be a player to watch at the biggest tournaments.
The standout performer so far in the 2026 DP World Tour season is Jayden Schaper. In the first three events, he has won twice and placed T2 in the event he did not win. At just 24 years old, his putting performance is exemplary, needing the fewest putts among all competitors so far. Whether he maintains this form remains to be seen, but right now he is