2026 PGA Tour Schedule: Key Dates and Must-Watch Events

The PGA Tour is set to deliver another thrilling season in 2026, blending tradition with fresh narratives as players like Patrick Reed and Brooks Koepka eye comebacks from the LIV Golf circuit. With the ongoing merger talks between the PGA Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf influencing rosters and rivalries, this year's schedule promises high-stakes drama on world-class courses. From the sun-soaked Hawaiian opener to the fall FedEx Cup playoffs, here's a comprehensive breakdown of the 2026 PGA Tour calendar, optimized for fans tracking tee times, majors, and betting opportunities.

Season Overview and Structural Changes

The 2026 PGA Tour season kicks off in early January and runs through August, culminating in the FedEx Cup playoffs in the fall. Expect 36 to 40 regular events, including eight signature tournaments with elevated purses up to $20 million each. The schedule maintains its West Coast swing early on, building momentum toward the majors, while incorporating more global flavor with stops in Asia and Europe—potentially easing transitions for players like Reed, who recently announced his departure from LIV to chase PGA status via the European Tour's Race to Dubai.

Key changes for 2026 include expanded fields for signature events and a focus on player welfare, with fewer Monday qualifiers to prioritize top talent. The integration of TGL (Tomorrow's Golf League) tech could also influence on-course strategies, as seen in recent exhibitions. Amid the LIV saga, the tour's total prize money approaches $1 billion, drawing defectors back like Koepka, who returned triumphantly and noted the 'different feel' of PGA crowds during a recent event.

Early Season: Building Momentum in Paradise and California

The season launches with The Sentry (January 2-5) at Kapalua Plantation Course in Hawaii, a winner-only invite that sets the tone for redemption arcs. Defending champ Nelly Korda's LPGA counterpart success hints at a strong field, including world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.

Following is the Sony Open in Hawaii (January 9-12) at Waialae Country Club, a fan-favorite for its accessibility and aloha vibe. Then comes the American Express (January 16-19) in Palm Springs, California, blending pro-am fun with birdie fests on Pete Dye's Stadium Course.

The West Coast swing intensifies with the Farmers Insurance Open (January 22-25) at Torrey Pines Golf Course. Justin Rose's recent dominance here—building a six-shot lead and breaking the 36-hole scoring record—positions him as a favorite. ESPN's coverage, from Thursday's early tee times to Sunday's playoff potential, will spotlight emerging stars like Ludvig Åberg. Patrick Reed, fresh off a playoff loss in Bahrain's European Tour event, enters the fray later in the year but could wildcard in, adding spice to this Torrey tradition.

Majors and Signature Events: The Crown Jewels

No PGA Tour schedule is complete without the majors, which anchor the calendar and test legacies. The Masters Tournament (April 10-13) at Augusta National remains the pinnacle, with its azaleas and green jacket allure. Expect buzz around Koepka's major pedigree as he rebuilds form post-LIV.

The PGA Championship (May 15-18) heads to Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky, site of Xander Schauffele's 2024 triumph. Enhanced by $18 million purses in signature slots, this major could see LIV returnees like Reed vying for spots via past champion exemptions.

Mid-summer brings the U.S. Open (June 12-15) at Oakmont Country Club, Pennsylvania—a brutal penal test of accuracy. Bryson DeChambeau's defending status adds intrigue, especially with his LIV ties.

Wrapping the majors is The Open Championship (July 17-20) at Royal Portrush, Northern Ireland, where wind-swept links golf rewards creativity. Rory McIlroy's homecoming narrative persists, potentially intersecting with European Tour crossovers like Reed's Qatar Masters entry.

Signature events pepper the schedule, including the Arnold Palmer Invitational (March 5-8) at Bay Hill and the Memorial Tournament (May 29-June 1) at Muirfield Village. These $20 million showdowns feature top-50 OWGR players, ensuring elite matchups.

Late Season and Playoffs: FedEx Cup Chase

Post-Open, the tour shifts to fall prep with the BMW Championship and Tour Championship (August 21-24) at East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta—the FedEx Cup finale. Points from 36 events determine the 30-player playoff field, with the winner pocketing $25 million.

Notable late stops include the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play (March 26-29) in Austin, Texas, and the RBC Canadian Open (June 5-8) in Ontario. International flavor shines in the Genesis Scottish Open (July 10-13), a majors tune-up.

Player Movements and What to Watch

2026's narrative hinges on defections: Reed's Bahrain playoff heartbreak—losing to unheralded Freddy Schott—fuels his PGA push, aiming for top-10 Race to Dubai finishes to secure status. Koepka's 'grateful' fan embrace signals a thaw in tour relations, potentially boosting fields at events like the Farmers.

Betting angles favor English and Matsuyama at Torrey, per recent odds, while Korda's LPGA dominance inspires women's crossovers. Health setbacks, like Gabe Valdes' cancer diagnosis on the Korn Ferry Tour, underscore resilience themes.

Viewership peaks with ESPN and Golf Channel broadcasts; check local listings for the Farmers Insurance Open's full slate. As the PGA Tour evolves amid global golf's chessboard, 2026 promises not just schedules, but stories of triumph and tension.

In total, this calendar blends accessibility for casual fans with depth for die-hards, ensuring golf's premier circuit remains the sport's heartbeat.