The PGA Tour will bring back the Blue Monster course at Trump National Doral to its 2026 schedule for the first time in ten years, expanding its lineup of signature events to nine tournaments starting next season. This announcement marks a significant adjustment to the circuit’s calendar, reintroducing a historic venue that had hosted PGA events since 1962 before the Tour’s departure from Miami in 2016.
Changes in Tournament Dates and Locations
The Miami Championship will take place from April 30 to May 3, replacing the Mexico Open, which will be shifted to the fall segment of the schedule. Notably, the Blue Monster had been a venue for LIV Golf events from 2022 through 2025 before the PGA Tour regained the site for 2026. The season will kick off in Maui with The Sentry from January 8-11, recognized as the first signature event of the year, followed by full-field tournaments at the Sony Open, The American Express, and Farmers Insurance Open.
Adjustments to Early Season Signature Events
The order of the WM Phoenix Open and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am will be reversed next season, with Pebble Beach taking place later than usual. The Genesis Invitational, a key signature event, will move back to Riviera Country Club after being hosted at Torrey Pines last year due to the Los Angeles wildfires. The Florida tournament swing remains consistent, featuring the Cognizant Classic, Arnold Palmer Invitational, Players Championship, and Valspar Championship in March, followed by events leading up to the Masters such as the Texas Children’s Houston Open and Valero Texas Open.
Midseason Tournaments and Signature Event Highlights
Following the Florida swing, the schedule continues with the RBC Heritage, a signature event, then progresses to the Zurich Classic, Miami Championship, and Truist Championship, which will return to Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina, after a one-year relocation to Philadelphia Cricket Club. The PGA Championship is scheduled for Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, and will be preceded by the CJ Cup, Byron Nelson, and Charles Schwab Challenge in late May, reinstating the back-to-back weekend sequence for the Dallas–area events.
Summer’s Signature Events Featuring Major Championships
The Memorial Tournament, another highlighted signature event, along with the RBC Canadian Open, will lead into the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, New York, from June 28 to 31. The final set of signature events will be the Travelers Championship (June 25-28), John Deere Classic (July 2-5), and Genesis Scottish Open (July 9-12). The Open Championship will follow from July 16-19 at Royal Birkdale in England.
Late Season Schedule and Playoff Details
The Rocket Mortgage Classic will move from late June to July 30 through August 2, and the Wyndham Championship will again close the regular season from August 6-9. The PGA Tour’s play-off series starts with the FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind in Memphis from August 13-16, then moves to the BMW Championship at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri from August 20-23, and culminates with the finale at East Lake in Atlanta during the last week of August.
Tour Leadership Expresses Optimism for the Future
Brian Rolapp, CEO of the PGA Tour, expressed enthusiasm about the schedule changes, emphasizing the opportunity to present the sport’s top players competing at historic venues. He stated,
“We’re excited to showcase the game’s greatest players competing at golf’s most iconic venues,”
and added,
“Inspired by our players and fans, we’re accelerating the TOUR’s evolution and ushering in a new era of innovation on and off the course.”
Confirmation of Tour Championship Format
Despite earlier speculation regarding potential changes, the Tour confirmed that the Tour Championship will maintain its traditional 72-hole stroke play format with all players starting at even par. This decision was reiterated following the May announcement that returned the Tour Championship to this more traditional style of competition.
Impact and Outlook for the 2026 Season
The return of Trump National Doral and the expansion to nine signature events highlight the PGA Tour’s commitment to preserving its historical sites while evolving its offerings. These adjustments not only enhance the competitive landscape but also provide fans with a richer viewing experience across prestigious and challenging courses. As the 2026 season unfolds with these exciting developments, players and spectators alike can anticipate a blend of tradition, innovation, and high-caliber golf throughout the year.