These are the stars to watch in 2026, from those chasing major titles to young players aiming for breakthroughs.
As 2025 comes to a close, 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 climbed from number 119 in the world into the top 10 following his US Open victory in June. So, who are the players set to rise through the ranks or achieve long-held goals in 2026?
Stars Hoping for Their First Major Title
The most obvious candidate is Tommy Fleetwood. The 34-year-old Englishman secured his first PGA Tour victory last year by winning the FedEx Cup, lifting a huge weight off his shoulders. With Ryder Cup success, a win 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 likely he will carry this momentum into 2026, potentially claiming his first major victory next year.
His compatriot Tyrrell Hatton is also a name to watch in the majors next year. Hatton already has major experience, but late mistakes cost him a chance at the US Open title in June. Though disappointing, this experience could be 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 finished T4 at the US Open despite a somewhat inconsistent season and secured his first PGA Tour win, entering the new season with confidence. MacIntyre came close by finishing second at the event won by J.J. Spaun. Aberg will likely pin his hopes on the Masters, where he was a strong contender this year before faltering at the end.
Players Poised to Break Through to Stardom
The surprise of last year’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, aiming to make an impact on the American stage. Penge already showed promise last year with a T2 finish at the Genesis Scottish Open. His powerful driving makes his game suitable for the PGA Tour, and at 27, he has the experience needed to handle the transition.
Harry Hall demonstrated his abilities on the PGA Tour finishing T17 at the Tour Championship. Known for his extremely consistent putting, Hall missed just three cuts in 2025. Next year could see him jump into the world’s elite, making him a player to watch in major tournaments.
The standout player 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 other. The 24-year-old excels on the greens, needing the fewest putts among all competitors so far. Whether he can maintain such form remains to be seen, but currently he is a must-watch player on the DP World Tour.
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