Another packed golf calendar in 2026 is likely to deliver a familiar mix of established winners and unexpected breakthrough performances. As the season unfolds, clear success stories and distinct disappointments will emerge. On this page, we highlight the players we believe are set for standout campaigns in 2026, whether through major silverware, consistent contention, or clear steps forward in their careers. The list includes proven stars expected to maintain their high standards, alongside emerging talents whose upward trajectory looks set to continue.
Scottie Scheffler (Current World Ranking: 1)
Hardly a bold prediction this one, but still one that needs making. Scheffler heads into 2026 as the benchmark in men’s golf. His dominance is built on relentless consistency rather than streaky brilliance, with elite ball-striking, controlled power off the tee and one of the most reliable tee-to-green games in the world. Even when not at his best, Scheffler regularly places himself in contention, which keeps his win count ticking over. Such is his ability that it is very difficult to imagine him not performing on the biggest stages next year.
Tommy Fleetwood (Current World Ranking: 3)
If you are looking for a dependable performer, Tommy Fleetwood remains one of the best names in elite golf. Thanks to this, the highly-rated Englishman looks well placed for another strong year in 2026. His iron play is among the best on tour, and his ability to grind out results on demanding courses continues to set him apart. Fleetwood’s experience in majors and team events has sharpened his competitive edge, and while wins did not come as regularly as he’d like, 2026 could well change that. Having got the first under his belt in 2025, and been the best player in the world for much of the final few months of the year, we expect more winner’s cheques to follow.
Cameron Young (Current World Ranking: 19)
Cam Young’s raw power continues to make him one of the most dangerous players on the PGA Tour. Few can match his ability off the tee, and when his iron play clicks, he creates more par-beating opportunities than most. After breaking his runner-up streak to secure a first tour victory in August’s Wyndham Championship, Young enters 2026 with fewer questions surrounding his ability to win. The next step is consistency across the season, but if his putting holds up, he has the potential to contend regularly in majors and signature events.
Chris Gotterup (Current World Ranking: 28)
Chris Gotterup’s rise has been driven by elite driving distance combined with steady improvement in the rest of his game. Once seen primarily as a power hitter, he has developed greater control with his irons and shown he can compete on links and major-style setups. Strong performances in high-profile events have boosted his confidence and ranking, and 2026 looks like a chance to turn promise into regular contention. If his accuracy continues to improve, Gotterup could become a fixture near the top of leaderboards.
Marco Penge (Current World Ranking: 29)
Having ended 2024 placed 416th in the official world rankings, Marco Penge arrives in 2026 with serious momentum after a breakthrough period on the DP World Tour. Known for his power off the tee, Penge combines length with improved control, allowing him to take advantage of modern course setups. His recent performances suggest he is becoming more comfortable closing out events, rather than simply contending. With opportunities in the 2026 Masters Tournament and the 2026 Open Championship already secured, Penge has a great platform on which to impress next year.
Rasmus Neergard-Petersen (Current World Ranking: 52)
Rasmus Neergard-Petersen has quietly built a reputation as one of the most technically sound players to emerge from Denmark in recent years. His ball-striking is consistent, and he shows a calm approach under pressure that translates well to tougher scoring conditions. After earning PGA Tour status for 2026, the challenge will be adapting to deeper fields and faster setups. If he can sharpen his short game and maintain confidence early in the season, Neergard-Petersen has the tools to outperform his ranking and push towards a top-20 spot.
Angel Ayora (Current World Ranking: 118)
Spain’s third-highest-ranked golfer, Angel Ayora, is widely regarded as one of the nation’s most promising young talents heading into 2026. The 21-year-old finished 2025 strongly, recording five top-10 finishes in his final six starts on the DP World Tour and showing a level of consistency that suggests a breakthrough is close. Although he just missed out on finishing as a top 10 DP World Tour player when finishing 14th, something rewarded with a PGA Tour card, this should pave the way for him to finish very high up this time around.
Angel Ayora is dialled in with the wedges 🎯#AfrAsiaBankMauritiusOpen pic.twitter.com/gLbxp5zGt3
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) December 19, 2025
Martin Couvra (Current World Ranking: 130)
Martin Couvra is one of the most talked‑about young Europeans outside the mainstream spotlight heading into 2026. The 22‑year‑old Frenchman already has a DP World Tour title to his name from 2023, when he won as an amateur, and he showed flashes of brilliance in 2025 despite an inconsistent second half of the season. Couvra’s smooth mechanics and creative shot‑making make him a natural fit for modern courses, and with another year of experience on the DP World Tour, he’s expected to move higher up leaderboards more regularly. His combination of raw talent and gradual improvement suggests that 2026 could be a pivotal season in his rise.