Check in every week for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the hottest topics in the sport, 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 are still a week away from the opening PGA Tour tournament of the year, yet still have plenty to discuss. Let’s get into our first topic: Look into your crystal ball and give us your boldest bold prediction for the year.
Josh Sens, senior writer, (@joshsens): Scottie Scheffler wins at Shinnecock (not bold; just inevitable) to wrap up the career grand slam, and Fred Ridley announces that the Masters will move to a limited-flight ball by 2030.
Zephyr Melton, associate game-improvement editor (@zephyrmelton): Sens’ first prediction is about as lukewarm as they come, but the second is quite tasty. I’ll say that we’ll see Brooks Koepka on the PGA Tour sometime this year. He may be suspended from certain events, but I’d have to imagine the Tour will allow him back on a limited basis.
Nick Piastowski, senior editor (@nickpia): Some good ones above! I’ll use Sens’ theme and predict that Jordan Spieth wins the PGA Championship and completes the grand slam. The question wanted bold, so let’s go bold.
2. OK, now switch leagues from your previous bold prediction and give us one more.
Sens: 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 she doesn’t have one yet. I think 2026 for Jeeno will be much like 2024 was for Xander Schauffele.
Piastowski: More good ones! Let’s keep it rolling. Tiger Woods wins the U.S. … Senior Open. But maybe that’s not bold. So here’s another: I think we hear more chatter about Australia hosting a major championship.
3. What 2026 major venue are you most looking forward to and why?
Sens: The U.S. Open at Shinnecock. Always fun to watch the best take on this undeniably great design, made even more intriguing when the course setup gets pushed to the edge for the national championship.
Melton: Riviera for the U.S. Women’s Open. I’ve seen the men tackle the George Thomas design several times in February, but I’m intrigued to see how it plays with the USGA in charge in June. I have a feeling it could be an all-time great USWO host venue.
Piastowski: All of the above! I’ll add a couple: Aronimink hosts its first men’s major since 1962, and the Chevron, according to reports, will be played at Houston’s Memorial Park, a muni, and that’s how you ‘grow the game.’
4. And what 2026 storyline are you already salivating over?
Sens: I try not to salivate in public, but I am very curious to see whether/how new commish Brian Rolapp remakes the Tour. Clearly, the old model needs disrupting, but what shape will the new version take?
Melton: I’m eager to see if Sens can improve his understanding of technology (I currently operate as his IT support guy). Outside of that, I’ll be keeping a close eye on the golf-ball roll-back. The issue wasn’t discussed much in 2025, but as we get closer to the 2028 date of pros using the new ball, I’m sure the debate will ramp up even more.
Sens: I’ve drafted a pithy comeback and have sent it out by carrier pigeon.
Piastowski: LOL! Let’s stay with Sens’ commissioner theme and I’ll say that I’m interested to see how new LPGA boss Craig Kessler continues to build momentum. He’s secured a better TV deal — but now what? I also want to see if Rory McIlroy gets a Guinness tap installed for the Masters Champions Dinner.
5. Who wins more in 2026 — Scottie Scheffler, or Rory McIlroy and another player of your choice combined?
Sens: Now that Tommy Fleetwood has broken the seal, I’m counting on him to tack on a win or three this year. But even that won’t be enough for him and Rory to combine to top Scheffler, who should be his usual dominant self.
Melton: Scottie — and it ain’t gonna be close.
Piastowski: Looks like I need to go the other route here — but I can’t. As of Jan. 4, you can’t pick against Scheffler. But a McIlroy-Thitikul combo might do it.
6. Finally, what’s your own golfy New Year’s resolution for 2026? And what’s a good one for our readers to adopt to try and accomplish themselves?
Melton: Get more swing speed! I made some progress at the tail end of 2025, but 2026 is the year I’m going to finally break out.
Sens: With a rigorous strength and flexibility program, I’m confident Zephyr can crack 80 mph by year end. Me? I’ve played golf in 46 U.S. states and would like to push that number to 50. Currently missing Alaska, both Dakotas and Arkansas.
Piastowski: In another spot, I wrote that I want to be a better loser, meaning that I want to remember my rounds better, no matter the score. I’ll add another: I want to play a few more ‘last-second’ rounds — I play my golf mostly on tee times made a couple days ahead of time; this year, I want it to be more spontaneous. Nice out? Let’s go!
