PGA Tour Unveils 2026 Schedule with New Signature Events
The PGA Tour has announced its 2026 schedule, featuring a significant addition: a new signature event at Trump Doral in Miami. This marks a return to a venue that hosted PGA Tour events from 1962 to 2016. New PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized the goal of creating events that resonate with players and fans alike. “I think everyone is excited about returning to a course we have decades of experience with,” Rolapp stated during a press conference at the Tour Championship held at East Lake.
The 2026 calendar includes nine signature events, an increase from eight in 2025. The addition of Doral places it in the midst of a demanding six-week stretch of tournaments, which will also include the Masters, RBC Heritage, Zurich Classic, Miami Championship, Truist Championship, and the PGA Championship. Each signature event boasts a purse of $20 million and features no 36-hole cut, creating a lucrative opportunity for players.
While many top players, such as Harris English, welcome the chance to compete in these high-stakes events, the situation is more complex for the Tour’s broader membership. Players face the prospect of fewer opportunities to compete if they do not qualify for signature events. English commented, “As a golfer, it’s great to be in those events. I’m going to play all of them,” highlighting the appeal of the guaranteed payday offered by these tournaments.
Yet, the format may disadvantage rank-and-file players, who must perform consistently to earn their spots. English acknowledged the challenges, stating, “It’s going to suck not being in those events,” but recognized that success on the course is crucial for accessing the more prestigious tournaments.
The flexibility afforded to players has led to some opting out of certain signature events. Rory McIlroy, for example, has not participated in the RBC Heritage in recent years, while Scottie Scheffler has used the Truist Championship as an opportunity to rest. “The luxury of being a PGA Tour player is we are free to pick and choose our schedule for the most part,” McIlroy remarked, emphasizing the personal nature of scheduling decisions.
Looking ahead to the 2026 PGA Championship, Justin Thomas is also contemplating his participation in events leading up to it. “I go back and forth on that,” he admitted, acknowledging the importance of all players participating in these marquee tournaments while weighing the logistics of his performance.
Despite concerns over the condensed schedule, Thomas sees value in the addition of the Doral event. “I like the fact that the Tour is looking at it in the sense of here we are, this is what we have this year, and we’re just going to keep trying to change it for the better,” he said. This approach suggests a willingness to adapt rather than wait for a perfect schedule.
An advantage of the new schedule is its accessibility, as players will not need to travel across the country frequently. The tournaments between the Masters and the PGA will take place in locations such as Georgia, New Orleans, Florida, North Carolina, and Philadelphia. McIlroy noted, “It’s quite a bit of a workload for the players to play that much golf in that stretch, but these are all pretty easy stops on the East Coast for the most part.”
The impact on non-signature tournaments, however, raises concerns about diminishing fields and reduced value. Some players with less successful seasons may choose to compete in these events to improve their standings in the FedEx Cup points list, which could enhance their chances of qualifying for signature events in the future.
As the PGA Tour navigates these changes, players are aware of the ongoing challenges and potential adjustments to the schedule. Thomas encapsulated the sentiment of many when he said, “It’s tough. I definitely understand [the schedule concerns]. I think it has felt a little bunched over the past couple of years.” The Tour’s leadership continues to emphasize that the schedule remains a work in progress, reflecting the evolving nature of professional golf.
