Golf's Biggest Questions for 2026: Scheffler's Slam, Koepka's Comeback, and More

From Scottie Scheffler's Grand Slam pursuit to Brooks Koepka's uncertain return, the sport faces a pivotal year of change and controversy.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:14am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented golf scenes and actions, with sharp planes of color and form overlapping to create a sense of dynamic motion and uncertainty.As golf navigates a pivotal year of change and controversy, the sport's future is fractured into a kaleidoscope of competing narratives.Shinnecock Hills Today

As the PGA Tour undergoes a major overhaul, the 2026 golf season is poised to be a year of seismic shifts. Scottie Scheffler's quest for a career Grand Slam, Brooks Koepka's comeback, Nelly Korda's slump, and the tour's identity crisis are just a few of the key storylines that will define this transformative year in the sport.

Why it matters

Golf in 2026 is at a critical crossroads, with the PGA Tour dismantling its decades-old model and players navigating uncharted waters. These high-profile storylines will have far-reaching implications for the future of the sport, from the tour's structure and media rights to the careers of some of the game's biggest stars.

The details

Scottie Scheffler stands as the central figure, with his rise to world No. 1 coinciding with the PGA Tour's framework agreement with LIV Golf. Just days after Rory McIlroy completed his career Grand Slam at the Masters, Scheffler humbly downplayed his chances, but now he's a legitimate contender, having won the PGA Championship and British Open. Brooks Koepka's departure from LIV Golf has sparked debate, as his return to the PGA Tour could set a precedent that divides loyalists. Nelly Korda's winless 2025 season has raised questions about whether she's following in the footsteps of Lydia Ko and Yani Tseng. Under new CEO Brian Rolapp, the PGA Tour's focus on 'scarcity' has hinted at a leaner schedule, yet new fall events suggest otherwise. Jordan Spieth's absence from U.S. teams since the 2018 Ryder Cup and his recent wrist surgery have raised doubts about his future, while Tiger Woods' focus may be shifting toward captaincy as he turns 50.

  • The Sentry, the PGA Tour's season opener since 1999, was canceled due to water disputes and flooding in Maui.
  • The Sony Open, now in its final year of title sponsorship, kicks off on a different island with a weaker field.
  • Scottie Scheffler has dominant wins at the PGA Championship and British Open, setting up his path to the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills.
  • Brooks Koepka's PGA Tour membership expiration in 2022 and absence from the antitrust lawsuit work in his favor as he considers a comeback.
  • Nelly Korda's runner-up finish at the U.S. Women's Open in 2025 seemed to derail her momentum, and her lack of winning opportunities since is concerning.

The players

Scottie Scheffler

The world No. 1 golfer who is a legitimate contender to complete the career Grand Slam in 2026.

Brooks Koepka

The former LIV Golf player who is considering a comeback to the PGA Tour, which could set a precedent that divides loyalists.

Nelly Korda

The American golfer who had a winless 2025 season after a dominant 2024, raising questions about her future.

Brian Rolapp

The new CEO of the PGA Tour, who has hinted at a leaner schedule but also added new fall events.

Tiger Woods

The legendary golfer who is turning 50 and may be shifting his focus toward captaincy rather than competitive play.

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What’s next

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The takeaway

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