Golf Majors 2026: Dates, courses and leaderboards at a glance

The 2026 golf majors season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent history. After the dramatic events of the previous year - including Rory McIlroy's emotional Career Grand Slam in Augusta and J.J. Spaun's sensational victory at the U.S. Open - the sporting world is eagerly awaiting the four most important tournaments of the year. In this guide, you can find out everything about the venues, prize money and how you can follow the leaderboards of the 2026 Golf Majors live.

The 2026 Golf Majors calendar at a glance

To make sure you don't miss any of the highlights of the Majors Golf season, you will find a compact summary of the most important dates here. These four tournaments represent the pinnacle of professional golf:

US Masters 2026: Title defense at Augusta National

The first highlight of the golf majors traditionally takes place in the first full week of April with the US Masters Tournament. Rory McIlroy will attempt to defend the Green he won last year at Augusta National Golf Club. With his success, the Northern Irishman completed the so-called career Grand Slam and has won all four golf majors at least once. The Masters is not only the first major tournament in golf, but also the most prestigious. It also takes place at the most exclusive golf club in the world.

• Special feature: The exclusive course with the famous "Amen Corner" (holes 11-13).
• Prize money: Expected total pool of approx. 21.5 million US dollars.
• Traditions: The Champions Dinner with all former winners on Tuesday evening, at which the defending champion determines the menu.

Click here for the US Masters 2026 leaderboard and Tee Times

PGA Championship 2026: Test of strength at Aronimink Golf Club

In May, the elite move on to Pennsylvania. The PGA Championship is known for having the "strongest field in golf", as it brings together most of the top 100 players in the world rankings. The tournament was played in match-play mode until 1958, when it switched to the counting game that is still used today. The record winners with five victories each are Walter Hagen and Jack Nicklaus. Tiger Woods won the tournament four times.

• The course: Aronimink returns as Major host after more than 60 years. The Donald Ross course with its treacherous bunker landscapes demands the utmost precision.
• Defending champion: Scottie Scheffler arrives as the reigning champion of the Wanamaker Trophy.
• Qualification: Uniquely, 20 PGA Professionals (golf teachers) will also qualify alongside the stars.

Current information and PGA Championship leaderboard

U.S. Open 2026: The toughest test at Shinnecock Hills

The 126th edition of the U.S. Open will take place in June on the legendary links course at Shinnecock Hills. Here, golf becomes a mental test, as the USGA traditionally prepares the course to be extremely difficult. The aim every year is to keep the winner's score around Par and not let the tournament degenerate into a "Birdie Festival". The final day of the Golf Major in 2026 falls on the American Father's Day and also on the birthday of world number one Scottie Scheffler. He could also complete the career Grand Slam with a victory at the US Open.

• Sensation last year: J.J. Spaun shocked the experts with his victory in Oakmont in 2025 and is now the hunted.
• Grand Slam opportunity: For Scottie Scheffler, the U.S. Open is the final piece of the puzzle that he still needs to complete his lifelong Grand Slam.
• Fact: The final will take place on June 21 - coinciding with US Father's Day and Scheffler's birthday.

To the U.S. Open 2026 leaderboard

The Open Championship 2026: Pure links golf at Royal Birkdale

The fourth and last of the 2026 golf majors takes the players to England. The 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale stands for the purest form of the game: the battle against wind, weather and the deep pot bunkers on a links course. The golf major, also known as the British Open, is one of the oldest sporting competitions still held in the world and is the longest-running golf tournament. The tournament returns to St. Andrews (Scotland) every five years

• The Claret Jug: Scottie Scheffler wants to hold the iconic silver jug in his hands for the second time in a row.
• Spectators: Royal Birkdale is considered one of the most spectator-friendly grounds in the world thanks to its natural dune grandstands.
• Time difference: Ideal for European fans, as the first Tee Times start at 07:30 CET.

The Open 2026: All participants and live scores

Golf Majors 2026 leaderboard: How to follow the stars live

To keep up to date with the 2026 Golf Majors, an up-to-date leaderboard is essential. Due to the time difference at the three US tournaments, the decisions in Europe are often made late at night.

1. TV coverage: All four golf majors will be shown almost in their entirety on TV or livestream. Depending on the country, there are many different TV providers in Europe that hold the rights. (Germany/England: Sky Sport; France: Canal+; Sweden: Viaplay; Netherlands: Ziggo Sport)
2. Tee Times: The start times are usually published 48 hours before the start of the tournament.
3. Live ticker: Use our interactive golf leaderboards to follow every Birdie by Scheffler, Rahm and McIlroy in real time.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Golf Majors

Which is the most important of the 2026 Golf Majors? Although the Masters (Augusta) is often considered the most prestigious tournament, the Open Championship is the oldest and the U.S. Open is the hardest major to win.

Where can I buy tickets for the Majors golf season? Tickets for the Masters and The Open are usually allocated by lottery (ballot) in the previous year. For the PGA Championship and U.S. Open there are official ticket portals of the associations (PGA of America and USGA).

How much is the total prize money in 2026? The prize money has increased massively in recent years. A total of over 75 million US dollars will be paid out at the four tournaments.