Check-in every week for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the hottest topics in sports and join the conversation by tweeting us at @golf_com. This week we discuss bold predictions for 2026, storylines to watch, resolutions and more.
1. Welcome to the first Tour Confidential of 2026, where we’re still a week away from the PGA Tour’s opening tournament of the year, but still have plenty to discuss. Let’s start with our first topic: look into your crystal ball and give us your boldest prediction for the year.
Josh Sens, senior writer, (@joshssens): Scottie Scheffler wins at Shinnecock (not daring; just inevitable) to complete his career grand slam, and Fred Ridley announces the Masters will move to limited-flight ball by 2030.
Zephyr Melton, associate game improvement editor (@zephyrmelton): Sens’ first prediction is as tepid as can be, but the second is quite tasty. I will say we will see Brooks Koepka on the PGA Tour sometime this year. He may be suspended from certain events, but I imagine the Tour will allow him back on a limited basis.
Nick Piastowski, editor-in-chief (@nickpia): Some good ones above! I’m using the Sens theme and predicting Jordan Spieth winning the PGA Championship and completing the grand slam. The question wanted to be bolded, so let’s keep it bold.
2. Okay, now change the leagues from your previous bold prediction and give us one more.
Feeling: LIV offers Bryson DeChambeau a $1 billion contract extension.
Melton: Jeeno Thitikul wins two majors. She’s been on the doorstep so many times, it’s baffling that she doesn’t have one yet. I think 2026 for Jeeno will look a lot like 2024 for Xander Schauffele.
Piastowski: More good ones! Let’s keep it going. Tiger Woods wins the US Senior Open. But maybe that’s true not bold. So here’s another: I think we’re hearing more talk about Australia hosting a major championship.
3. Which major location in 2026 are you most looking forward to and why?
Feeling: The US Open at Shinnecock. Always fun to see how this undeniably great design is best tackled, but it becomes even more intriguing when the track setup is pushed to the limit for the national championship.
Melton: Riviera for the US Women’s Open. I saw the guys tackle George Thomas’ design several times in February, but I’m intrigued to see how it plays with the USGA in charge in June. I feel like it could be an all-time great USWO host location.
Piastowski: All of the above! I’ll add a few: Aronimink is hosting its first men’s major since 1962, and the Chevron will, according to reports, be played at Houston’s Memorial Park, a muni, and that’s how you “grow the game.”
4. And which 2026 storyline are you already drooling over?
Feeling: I’m trying not to drool in public, but I’m very curious if/how new committee Brian Rolapp will remake the Tour. It’s clear that the old model needs to be disrupted, but what form will the new version take?
Melton: I’m curious to see if Sens can improve his understanding of technology (I currently serve as his IT support guy). In addition, I will closely monitor the rollback of the golf ball. The issue wasn’t discussed much in 2025, but as we get closer to the 2028 date when pros start using the new ball, I’m sure the debate will intensify even further.
Sens: I drafted a snappy comeback and sent it by carrier pigeon.
Piastowski: LOL! Staying with the Sens commissioner theme, I will say I’m interested to see how new LPGA boss Craig Kessler continues to build momentum. He landed a better TV deal, but what now? I also want to see if Rory McIlroy has a Guinness tap installed for the Masters Champions Dinner.
“>
5. Who will win more in 2026: Scottie Scheffler, or Rory McIlroy and another player of your choice together?
Feeling: Now that Tommy Fleetwood has broken the seal, I’m banking on him getting a win or three this year. But even that won’t be enough for him and Rory to beat Scheffler, who should be his usual dominant self.
Melton: Scottie – and it won’t be close.
Piastowski: It looks like I should take the other route here, but I can’t. From January 4, you can no longer choose against Scheffler. But a McIlroy-Thitikul combo could do it.
6. Finally, what is your own golfy New Year’s resolution for 2026? And what is a good choice for our readers to try to reach themselves?
Melton: Get more swing speed! By the end of 2025 I’ve made some progress, but 2026 is the year I finally break out.
Sens: With a rigorous strength and flexibility program, I am confident Zephyr can reach 80 mph by the end of the year. Me? I have played golf in 46 US states and would like to bring that number to 50. Right now I’m missing Alaska, both Dakota and Arkansas.
Piastowski: Elsewhere I wrote that I want to be a better loser, which means I want to remember my rounds better, regardless of the score. I’ll add one more: I want to play a few more last-second rounds – I usually play my golf at tee times made a few days in advance; this year I want it to be more spontaneous. Looking good? Let’s go!
#Tour #confidential #bold #predictions #storylines #resolutions