Here’s some hopes and expectations for things to happen in the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour in 2026:
Having seen Ben Griffin (Maxfli Tour X) break out in 2025 with three wins on the PGA Tour, it would be great if he wins a major or is in serious contention. Griffin suffers from symptomatic eye floaters, which is why he wears sunglasses. I also suffer from symptomatic eye floaters, which are tiny dark spots in your vision, caused by clumps of protein that break away from the retina. Sometimes I don’t even notice them, but other times they are like a distraction. They can be corrected by laser surgery, but it’s an expense I don’t need and I’ve been told there’s a possible risk to my vision. I can deal with the problem, but if I was a serious golfer such as Griffin I’d be looking at all kinds of alternatives. Glasses have helped him. His performance has been a great endorsement for Maxfli, which is trying for a resurgence in the competitive golf ball manufacturing business.
It seemingly took forever but both Tommy Fleetwood (TaylorMade TP5x) and Cameron Young (Titleist Pro V1x) both finally won on the PGA Tour. Not sure which one of the two felt more relief, but I’m sure both will win again this year. It was apparent they gained a lot of confidence.
Chris Gotterup (Bridgestone TOUR BX) won the Genesis Scottish Open and followed up with a third-place finish in The Open and ended the season with a tie for 10th in the Tour Championship. He has become a replacement in season two of TGL, taking over from Tiger Woods (Bridgestone TOUR B X). Speaking of Woods, who just turned 50 and is now eligible for the Champions Tour, what are the odds he plays in the Masters this year. Even though he’s no longer a factor in the event, he knows the course and could make the cut if he’s physically capable.
Keegan Bradley (Srixon Z-Star) had a crazy season as both a player and coach. Could he become a consecutive winner of the Travelers Championship? Logically, the answer would be no, but I wouldn’t bet against him winning one tournament this year. He just seems so rejuvenated.
On the LPGA side, I am curious to see if the Japanese women continue to make their mark. That was a huge part of the 2025 season. The one golfer from Japan I am most curious about is Miyu Yamashita (Srixon Z-Star), who dominated on the LPGA of Japan Tour in 2022 and 2023. She did well in her first full season on the LPGA Tour, highlighted by her victory in the British Open. Fellow countrywoman Mao Saigo (Bridgestone TOUR B XS) won the Chevron Championship in the five-player one-hole playoff, arguably the craziest finish in either the men’s or women’s tours. I think she also has a bright future ahead.
Another player who will bear watching is Jeeno Thitikul (Callaway Chrome Tour X). She elevated herself to the top of the women’s world golf rankings. But maintaining that will be tougher than achieving it. That said, the native of Thailand is only 22 and has led the LPGA Tour in money won the last two years and defended her title in the CTE Group Tour Championship. Her future is strong.
And what of Nelly Korda (TaylorMade TP5x)? She did not win a tournament last year after seven the previous year. She was plagued by a nagging neck injury but did finish strongly with a third-place finish in the CME Group Tour Championship.
I also want to mention Lottie Woad (Titleist Pro V1). We got a glimpse of this British talent last year. She started out strongly then fizzled out. I think with a full pro season, she will benefit from the grind and pressure. When I think of her, I am reminded of Rose Zhang (Callaway Chrome Tour X), who also started strongly in her rookie year after a standout college career. She really struggled in 2024, making only seven of 14 cuts and was never a serious contender.
