The 2026 Professional Golf Season: A New Era Begins
As the calendar turns to 2026, professional golf is set to experience a significant shift in its annual rhythm. The sports calendar has seen considerable changes over the years, but this particular year comes with notable alterations that will influence the world of golf.
Gone are the days when the PGA Tour kicked off its season in scenic Kapalua, Hawaii. Due to unfortunate water supply issues, The Sentry has been canceled, pushing the PGA Tour’s start date to January 15, 2026, with the Sony Open in Hawaii at the legendary Waialae Country Club. As fans and players adjust, the upcoming year promises to deliver thrilling competitions, captivating storylines, and elite venues.
Key Highlights of the 2026 Golf Calendar
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HGV Tournament of Champions
- Location: Lake Nona Country Club, Orlando
- Dates: January 29 – February 1
This tournament will mark the LPGA’s season opener, featuring World No. 1 Jeeno Thitkul, who shined with three victories in 2025. Nelly Korda’s quest for her first win since a surprise drought will also be a focal point.
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LIV Golf Opener
- Location: Riyadh Golf Club, Saudi Arabia
- Dates: February 4 – 7
LIV Golf begins its fourth season with a complete executive overhaul. Transitioning to 72-hole events for the first time, LIV Golf aims to enhance its legitimacy in the eyes of the Official World Golf Ranking.
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Genesis Invitational
- Location: Riviera Country Club, Los Angeles
- Dates: February 19 – 22
After a difficult year impacted by wildfires, the Genesis Invitational returns to its iconic venue with Ludvig Aberg aiming to defend his title.
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Players Championship
- Location: TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
- Dates: March 12 – 15
Rory McIlroy headlines this event after winning the previous year and will seek to build on his impressive form.
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Masters Tournament
- Location: Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia
- Dates: April 9 – 12
As one of the most prestigious events in golf, the Masters promises a display of beauty and drama. With several top players vying for their first green jacket, including Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau, this promises to be an unmissable event.
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U.S. Women’s Open
- Location: Riviera Country Club, Los Angeles
- Dates: June 4 – 7
Marking a historic moment, the U.S. Women’s Open is held at Riviera for the first time, capturing the essence of women’s golf with the spotlight it deserves.
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U.S. Open
- Location: Shinnecock Hills Country Club, Southampton, New York
- Dates: June 18 – 21
A historic venue known for its challenging layout, Shinnecock Hills promises excitement as it looks to avoid past controversies.
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Open Championship
- Location: Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Southport, England
- Dates: July 16 – 19
With a storied championship history, Royal Birkdale will welcome the best players from around the world, including defending champion Scottie Scheffler.
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FedEx Cup Playoffs & Tour Championship
- Location: East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta
- Dates: August 27 – 30
The FedEx Cup Playoffs will kick off with the traditional events leading to the grand finale at East Lake.
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Walker Cup
- Location: Lahinch Golf Club, Lahinch, Ireland
- Dates: September 5 – 6
The biennial event returns to Lahinch, creating excitement among young talents competing for their national pride.
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Solheim Cup
- Location: Bernardus Golf, North Brabant, Netherlands
- Dates: September 11 – 13
This prestigious women’s tournament puts American and European talent against each other, continuing the heated rivalry.
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Presidents Cup
- Location: Medinah Country Club, Medinah, Illinois
- Dates: September 24 – 27
Following the excitement, the Presidents Cup will see the U.S. team face off against the Internationals in a bid to maintain dominance.
A Season of Uncertainty and Excitement
As 2026 progresses, both fans and players will be closely watching changes within the PGA Tour and the ongoing dynamics brought by LIV Golf. With Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and other elite players driving entertainment on the greens, this season is poised for thrilling moments and historic challenges.
In summary, as the golf community prepares for a year of transformations and tournaments, keep an eye on the dates and storylines that promise to shape the future of professional golf.
