For many golfers, the relationship with the game stretches well beyond their own scorecard. It includes the build-up and suspense of the professional season; the triumphs, the near misses, the surprises that shift momentum, and the moments that spark talk across every clubhouse. And 2025 delivered plenty of drama.
Rory McIlroy finally slipping on that long-awaited green jacket, at Augusta, in a close clincher against Justin Rose. The Ryder Cup delivered its usual fireworks, this time with a fresh helping of controversy between Team Europe and the USA that will no doubt spill over into future editions. And, for a completely new flavour of golf, we witnessed the long-anticipated launch of an indoor golf league with TGL, adding floodlights, tech, and a surprising amount of adrenaline to the sport.
With that whirlwind behind us, now the spotlight swings to 2026 golf majors, a season packed with iconic venues, fierce rivalries, and plenty of opportunities to book annual leave at suspiciously convenient moments.
Let’s dive into what awaits in the majors, for both the men’s and women’s games, and how to follow it all from the UK.
When are the Major Golf Tournaments in 2026?
Men’s Golf Majors
The Masters 9th–12th April 2026
Venue: Augusta National Golf Club
Defending Champion: Rory McIlroy
Augusta National will once again open the men’s major season as it hosts the 90th edition of The Masters, welcoming the world’s best players to one of golf’s most treasured stages. Each April, the course comes alive as spring blooms frame the fairways, adding to the tournament’s unmistakable atmosphere. And as always, every competitor has their eye on one of the sport’s most recognisable prizes – the iconic green jacket, reserved only for the champion who conquers Augusta’s timeless challenges.
PGA Championship –14th–17th May 2026
Venue: Aronimink Golf Club, Pennsylvania
Defending Champion: Scottie Scheffler
The 108th PGA Championship returns to Aronimink Golf Club for just the second time, bringing one of golf’s toughest tests back to a venue known for its historic charm and demanding layout. Recently restored to its former brilliance, Aronimink has a reputation for grinding down even the steadiest contenders. And with a closing stretch that loves to spark late twists and high-stakes drama.
U.S. Open – 18th–21st June 2026
Venue: Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
Defending Champion: J. J. Spaun at Oakmont Country Club
Shinnecock Hills, one of the oldest golf courses in the world with roots stretching back to 1891, will once again play host to a U.S. Open that promises no mercy. Known for its coastal winds and rugged, links-style layout, Shinnecock doesn’t play games—it’s wild, unforgiving, and the kind of place where shooting level par feels like a minor miracle.
The Open Championship –14th–19th July 2026
Venue: Royal Birkdale
Defending Champion: Scottie Scheffler
The 154th Open Championship heads back to Royal Birkdale, a historic links dating to 1889 and famed for its pristine fairways, towering dunes, and coastal winds.
For 2026, several holes have been thoughtfully re-designed, adding fresh intrigue to a course already steeped in championship pedigree. And for those making the trip, the surrounding area is a golfer’s paradise, packed with renowned neighbouring courses that turn an Open week visit into a full-blown tour of some of the finest links in the UK.
Women’s Golf Majors
The women’s game continues to surge, with elite talent, global rivalries, and finishing stretches that regularly outshine the men’s for pure theatre. Here’s how the 2026 slate stacks up:
The Chevron Championship – 23rd–26th April 2026
Venue: The Club at Carlton Woods, Texas
Defending Champion: Mao Saigo
The year’s first women’s major, the Chevron Championship, always delivers unpredictability. With big hitters, bold course setups, and some of the strongest fields of the season, Carlton Woods will once again provide a stern opening test and probably a playoff if recent trends continue.
U.S. Women’s Open – 28th–31st May 2026
Venue: Riviera Country Club
Defending Champion: Maja Stark
Host of Tiger’s Genesis Invitational and one of the most iconic designs in the world. This could be one of the most compelling women’s U.S. Opens in years, with shot-making at an absolute premium.
KPMG Women’s PGA Championship –25th–28th June 2026
Venue: Hazeltine National Golf Club
Defending Champion: Minjee Lee
A major on a course with major pedigree. Hazeltine’s championship course is long, punishing, and beautifully manicured, ideal for showcasing the power and precision of today’s LPGA stars.
The Amundi Evian Championship – 23rd–26th July 2026
Venue: Evian Resort Golf Club, France
Defending Champion: Grace Kim
A major with postcard views and the occasional unpredictable bounce. Nestled above Lake Geneva, Evian is known for favouring fearless iron play and last-day charge attempts. Expect drama.
AIG Women’s Open – 13th–16th August 2026
Venue: St Andrews (Old Course)
Defending Champion: (2025 champion)
A major at St Andrews is always special, but the women’s game on this stage is particularly exciting, creative shot-making, exposed links conditions, and the unmistakable silhouette of the R&A Clubhouse framing Sunday’s finish.
Other tournaments to follow
Men’s non-Majors
- The Players Championship: Still the “fifth major” in many fans’ minds. The island green at 17 will claim more victims.
- Ryder Cup 2027 buildup: After the heated 2025 fallout, the narratives are already writing themselves.
- FedEx Cup Playoffs: Big money, big pressure, and occasionally big collapses.
Women’s non-Majors
- Solheim Cup (2027 prep): Expect storylines to ramp up as Europe and the USA re-ignite their rivalry.
- LPGA Tour Championship: Season-ending fireworks and a hefty prize purse.
UK golf events worth attending in 2026
Men’s Events
- BMW PGA Championship (Wentworth): Packed crowds, great atmosphere, and world-class fields.
- Genesis Scottish Open: Essential viewing ahead of The Open—plus better weather than you’d expect… sometimes.
- DP World Tour stops: Perfect for catching top talent without needing a passport.
Women’s Events
- Women’s Scottish Open: Elite links prep and a brilliant fan-friendly tournament.
- Aramco Team Series: Unique formats and big-name fields across multiple UK-friendly venues.
Where to watch the 2026 majors in the UK
If you’re following from home, here’s where you can watch it on UK channels:
Watch the Men’s Majors
- The Masters: Sky Sports Golf (live), highlights on BBC
- PGA Championship: Sky Sports Golf
- S. Open: Sky Sports Golf
- The Open Championship: Sky Sports Golf + BBC highlights (and some live coverage)
Watch the Women’s Majors
- The Chevron Championship: Sky Sports Golf / LPGA streaming
- S. Women’s Open: Sky Sports Golf
- Women’s PGA Championship: Sky Sports Golf
- Evian Championship: Sky Sports Golf
- AIG Women’s Open: Sky Sports Golf + BBC highlights
Whether you’re dreaming of following the majors in person or simply soaking up the action from home, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the 2026 season. Several UK tour operators now offer dedicated packages for fans heading to these iconic tournaments perfect for those planning to combine world-class spectating with a round or two of their own. If you’re travelling, it’s well worth having a reliable golf travel insurance policy to safeguard both your trip and your clubs.
And for everyone staying closer to home, feeling newly inspired to fine-tune their swing, don’t forget that golf insurance provides peace of mind every time you step onto the course. Whether you’re chasing birdies or avoiding double bogeys, you’ll be covered for whatever the game throws at you.
Get Golf Insurance from SportsCover Direct
If you play the game and follow it closely, it’s worth having cover that steadies you when the unexpected shows up. A stray swing, a wayward bounce, or damage off the course can happen to anyone. The right insurance protects you from the financial hit, so you can stay present, read the course, and focus on the part you love — playing the next shot with confidence.
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This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation.