The Ryder Cup may be over, but golf fans and bettors don’t get much time to switch off. With Augusta just months away, eyes are already turning to the 2026 major season — and after the drama of Bethpage Black, there’s plenty of intrigue about who might rise to the occasion next year.
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Here’s a look at some of the key names and storylines that could shape the 2026 majors.
Rory McIlroy – Augusta Pressure Off
Rory McIlroy has been playing with a newfound freedom ever since securing the long-awaited career Grand Slam at Augusta this year. He was also on fire for Europe at the 2025 Ryder Cup, ending with 3.5 points and climbing up to seventh on the all-time list. He’ll be heading into 2026 full of confidence and, if he finds form early in the season then expect him to be pushing for back-to-back green jackets.
Scottie Scheffler – Look Beyond The Records
On the PGA Tour, Scottie Scheffler seems unbeatable, but it’s been a different story at the Ryder Cup. He’s now played a total of 12 matches at the Ryder Cup, picking up just 4.5 points. But 2.5 of those points have been in three Sunday singles matches, where he’s yet to lose. When it’s all down to him, Scheffler rarely falters and that will likely be the same at the 2026 major. Expect him to add at least a fifth major to his ever-growing trophy cabinet.
Tommy Fleetwood – Major Breakthrough
No European player in the history of the Ryder Cup with at least 10 matches played has a higher winning percentage than Tommy Fleetwood. His impressive return of four points from five matches at the 2025 Ryder Cup came shortly after ending his long wait for a first PGA Tour title at the Tour Championship. The Englishman will be hoping to carry that form into next year and clinch his first major title.
Cameron Young – Mr Reliable
It was a Ryder Cup to forget for most Americans – apart from Cameron Young. He led the spirited fightback from Team USA on Sunday after an impressive win over Justin Rose and finished overall with three points from four matches. McIlroy and Scheffler may dominate most of the headlines heading into the majors, but Young is regularly in the mix and he proved at Bethpage that he can more than handle the pressure. He’s finished in the top 10 of a major at least once a year since 2022 and he’ll fancy his chances of going one better in 2026.
Justin Thomas – Bounce-Back Potential
After a disappointing 2025 at the majors, Thomas bounced back with a strong showing at the Ryder Cup. The two-time major champion has struggled to find top form regularly, but he won the 2022 PGA Championship a few months after his displays at the 2021 Ryder Cup. Could Bethpage act as a similar springboard for better things to come in 2026?
Don’t Forget the Dark Horses
Every major season throws up its surprises. In 2025, J.J. Spaun pulled off a remarkable victory at the US Open despite never previously finishing higher than 23rd in his previous eight majors. There were signs early in the year that he was on course for a breakthrough season after impressing at the Sony Open, Cognizant Classic and Players Championship. For punters, keeping an eye on early-season form in February and March events can often be the difference between snagging a longshot winner and missing the boat.
Final Word
The 2026 majors promise as much drama and unpredictability as ever. From Rory’s Augusta breakthrough to in-form stars like Fleetwood chasing their first major title, there’s no shortage of betting storylines already in play.
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