Sign up 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, stories to watch, resolutions and more.
1. Welcome to the first Confidential Tour of 2026, where we’re still a week away from the opening PGA Tour of the year, but we still have a lot to discuss. Let’s dive into our first topic: Look into your crystal ball and give us your boldest prediction for the year.
Josh Sens, senior writer, (@joshsens): Scottie Scheffler wins at Shinnecock (not gutsy; just inevitable) to complete the career Grand Slam, and Fred Ridley announces that the Masters will switch to a limited-flight ball by 2030.
Zephyr Melton, Associate Game Improvement Editor (@zephyrmelton): The first Sens preview is as tepid as they come, but the second is pretty tasty. I will say we will see Brooks Koepka on the PGA Tour sometime this year. He may be suspended from a few events, but I’d have to imagine the Tour will allow him to return on a limited basis.
Nick Piastowski, Senior Editor (@nickpia): Some good ones above! I’m going to use the 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 another one.
Meaning: LIV offers Bryson DeChambeau a $1 billion contract extension.
Melts: Jeeno Thitikul wins two majors. She’s been on the doorstep so many times, it’s surprising she doesn’t have one yet. I think 2026 for Jeeno will be the same as 2024 for Xander Schauffele.
Piastowski: More goodies! Let’s keep it rolling. Tiger Woods wins the US … Senior Open. But maybe this is it NO courageous. So here’s another one: I think we hear more chatter about Australia hosting a major championship.
3. Which major country of 2026 are you most looking forward to and why?
Meaning: US Open at Shinnecock. Always fun to get a better look at this undeniably gorgeous design, made all the more intriguing when the course setup is pushed to the edge of the national championship.
Melts: Riviera for the US Women’s Open. I’ve seen men tackle the George Thomas design a few 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 host country in the USWO.
Piastowski: All of the above! I’ll add a few: Aronimink hosts the first men’s tournament since 1962, and the Chevron will reportedly be played at Houston’s Memorial Park, a muni, and that’s how you ‘raise the game.’
4. And what 2026 story are you already salivating over?
Meaning: I try not to drool in public, but I’m very curious to see if/how the new Brian Rolapp committee redoes the tour. It’s clear that the old model needs disruption, but what form will the new version take?
Melts: I am eager to see if Sens can improve his understanding of technology (I currently operate as his IT support). Other than that, I’ll be keeping a close eye on golf ball returns. The issue was not discussed much in 2025, but as we approach the 2028 date of the pros using the new ball, I’m sure the debate will grow even more.
sense: I have drafted a wonderful return and sent it by carrier pigeon.
Piastowski: LOL! Let’s stay on the subject of the Sens commissioner, and I will say that I’m interested to see how new LPGA chief Craig Kessler continues to build momentum. He’s secured a better TV deal – but now what? I also want to see if Rory McIlroy will install a Guinness tap for the Masters Champions Dinner.
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5. Who wins more in 2026 – Scottie Scheffler, or Rory McIlroy and another player of your choice combined?
Meaning: Now that Tommy Fleetwood has broken the seal, I’m counting on him getting a win or three this year. But even that won’t be enough for him and Rory to combine on top of Scheffler, who should be his usual dominant self.
Melts: Scottie – and it won’t be close.
Piastowski: I feel like I should go the other way here – but I can’t. As of January 4th, you cannot choose against Scheffler. But a McIlroy-Thitikul combination can do it.
6. Finally, what is your New Year’s golf resolution for 2026? And what is good for our readers to adopt to try and achieve themselves?
Melts: Get more movement speed! I made some progress at the end of 2025, but 2026 is the year I will finally break out.
sense: With a rigorous strength and flexibility program, I’m confident the Zephyr can hit 80 mph by the end of the year. me? I have golfed in 46 US states and would like to get that number to 50. I currently miss Alaska, both the Dakotas and Arkansas.
Piastowski: Elsewhere, I’ve written 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 play my golf mostly at times made a few days ahead of time; this year I want to be more spontaneous. Nice outside? Let’s go!
