Previewing the 2026 Golf Season: Major Tournaments to Kick Off the Year
As we bid farewell to the 2025 golf season, which wrapped up with the RSM Classic and CME Championship, the anticipation for 2026 starts to build. While other professional tours have completed their schedules, the DP World Tour has recently commenced its 2026 season, setting the stage for a thrilling year ahead in professional golf.
Let’s take a closer look at the first events of 2026 across the major professional golf tours globally.
Korn Ferry Tour: The Bahamas Golf Classic
Dates: January 11-14, 2026
Venue: Ocean Club Golf Course, Atlantis Paradise Island
The Korn Ferry Tour kicks off the year at the stunning Ocean Club Golf Course. Following this event, the tour will remain in the Bahamas for its second event, then continue its journey through Colombia, Argentina, and Chile.
PGA Tour: The Sony Open in Hawaii
Dates: January 15-18, 2026
Venue: Waialae Country Club, Oahu
Traditionally the follow-up to the Sentry Tournament of Champions, the Sony Open will officially mark the start of the PGA Tour season at Waialae Country Club. This event comes as the Sentry was canceled due to drought conditions affecting the Plantation Course at Kapalua.
DP World Tour: Dubai Invitational
Dates: January 15-18, 2026
Venue: Dubai Creek Resort, United Arab Emirates
Kicking off the new year on the DP World Tour is the Dubai Invitational, part of a robust 42-tournament schedule spanning 25 countries for the 2025-26 season.
PGA Tour Champions: Mitsubishi Electric Championship
Dates: January 22-24, 2026
Venue: Hualalai Golf Club, Ka’uplulehu-Kona, Hawaii
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Mitsubishi Electric Championship is set to start the Champions Tour at the picturesque Hualalai Golf Club, marking the season for golfers aged 50 and above.
LPGA: Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions
Dates: January 29-February 1, 2026
Venue: Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, Orlando
The LPGA kicks off its 2026 season with the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, where the best women golfers will compete at the prestigious Lake Nona Golf & Country Club.
LIV Golf: LIV Golf Riyadh
Dates: February 4-7, 2026
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
The fifth season of LIV Golf launches in Riyadh. A notable change for 2026 is the expansion of tournaments to 72 holes, following four seasons of 54-hole formats. The LIV Golf schedule includes 14 events, with 12 already announced.
Epson Tour: Atlantic Beach Classic
Dates: March 5-7, 2026
Venue: Atlantic Beach Country Club, Florida
The Epson Tour will begin its 2026 season in March with the Atlantic Beach Classic, the inaugural event among 19 tournaments slated for the year.
As the new golf season approaches, fans and players alike are eager to see how these prestigious events unfold. Mark your calendars and prepare for an exciting year ahead in professional golf!
