From Aronimink to Zalatoris - an A-Z of golf in 2026 The golfing world is bracing itself for another blockbuster year in 2026. After the seismic shifts and unprecedented drama of the previous 12 months, the sport finds itself at a critical juncture. Can it maintain the momentum and global interest that has surged in recent times? Or will the industry face a sobering reality check as it navigates a new era of uncertainty? One thing is certain - there will be no shortage of talking points. From high-profile tournament returns to the continued evolution of the professional game, the calendar is jam-packed with potential storylines. Let's take a closer look at some of the key events and narratives set to unfold over the coming year. Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania will kick off the year in style by hosting the season-opening PGA Tour event, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, in January. This historic venue, with its challenging layout and rich tournament heritage, is sure to provide an exhilarating start to the new campaign. Meanwhile, the focus will quickly shift to the Middle East, where the revamped European Tour schedule gets underway. The season-opening Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, long considered one of the tour's premier events, will be followed by a string of high-profile tournaments across the Gulf region. As the year progresses, the spotlight will turn to the game's major championships. After Dustin Johnson's dramatic triumph at the 2025 Masters, all eyes will be on Augusta National in April to see if the veteran can defend his title and cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats. The PGA Championship's return to Quail Hollow in North Carolina in May promises to be equally captivating. This course has a rich history of producing thrilling finishes, and with the season's second major on the line, the tension is sure to be palpable. June will see the U.S. Open head to Shinnecock Hills in New York, a course that has delivered some of the most memorable moments in the tournament's history. With its challenging conditions and unpredictable weather, this event is always a true test of a player's mettle. The golfing world's attention will then shift to the UK in July, as the 155th Open Championship returns to the iconic Old Course at St Andrews. This ancient links layout, with its unique character and unforgiving conditions, is sure to provide a fitting stage for the sport's oldest major. Away from the major championships, the ongoing rivalry between the PGA Tour and the LIV Golf League will continue to dominate headlines. The two entities have been locked in a bitter power struggle since the breakaway league's inception, and 2026 is shaping up to be another pivotal year in this high-stakes battle. One of the key storylines to watch will be the potential defection of more top players to the LIV circuit. With its lucrative purses and controversial but captivating team format, the LIV League has already lured several big names away from the PGA Tour. Will more stars follow suit in the coming year, further fragmenting the sport's elite? Conversely, the PGA Tour will be looking to shore up its position and assert its dominance. Expect to see a continued focus on enhancing the player experience, improving tournament venues, and delivering must-see events that capture the public's imagination. The emergence of young talents like Will Zalatoris, who burst onto the scene with his stunning performance at the 2025 Masters, will also be a key storyline. Can these rising stars cement their place among the game's elite, or will the established order prevail? The ongoing battle for gender equality in golf is another area that is sure to generate significant interest. With the LPGA Tour continuing to grow in stature and visibility, and the Women's British Open set to be played at Muirfield for the first time, the spotlight on the women's game has never been brighter. Additionally, the continued globalization of the sport, with events and tournaments taking place in new and emerging markets, will be a fascinating trend to follow. As the game's reach expands, the potential for increased participation and fan engagement is immense. Of course, it wouldn't be a year in golf without a few unexpected twists and turns. Whether it's a surprise winner at a major championship, a controversial rules decision, or a surprise retirement, the unpredictable nature of the sport ensures that there will be no shortage of talking points. As the golfing world prepares to embark on another thrilling chapter, the sense of anticipation is palpable. With so much at stake and so many intriguing storylines on the horizon, 2026 promises to be a year that will leave a lasting impression on the sport and its devoted fans.