The 2026 golf season is underway, and this past weekend was a perfect snapshot of how busy, and exciting, the weeks ahead are shaping up to be. From season-opening victories on both sides of the world to a flurry of new equipment launches, the game is moving quickly as tours and manufacturers alike hit full stride.
On the Course: Early Season Statements
The PGA Tour returned to action at the Sony Open in Hawaii, hosted once again at Waialae Country Club. In typically testing coastal conditions, Chris Gotterup produced a composed and clinical performance to secure the title at 16-under par. A closing round of 64 proved decisive, allowing him to separate himself from the chasing pack and claim an important early win that sets the tone for his season.
Across the globe on the DP World Tour, the Dubai Invitational delivered one of the first dramatic finishes of the year. Nacho Elvira emerged victorious at 10-under par, showing impressive nerve down the closing stretch to edge out Daniel Hillier. The final leaderboard underlined the quality of the field, with Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy both firmly in contention until late mistakes saw them slip back into a share of third. It was a reminder that sharpness, both physical and mental, is already being tested early in the calendar.
Equipment Watch: Launch Season Is Here
Away from tournament leaderboards, last week also marked a major moment in the equipment world. Callaway, PING, and Cobra all unveiled brand-new golf club ranges, signalling the first major wave of 2026 product releases. New drivers, irons and metals are now filtering into fitting studios, with players eager to see whether the latest technology can offer measurable gains as the season begins.
And the launch calendar is far from finished. This week, attention turns to Titleist, who are set to reveal two highly anticipated new releases. With Titleist traditionally setting benchmarks across multiple categories, these launches are expected to be among the most closely watched of the early season.
Find out what we thought to some of the brand new golf club releases of 2026 here.
Looking Ahead: Another Packed Week
Tournament golf also continues at pace. The DP World Tour remains in the Middle East for one of its flagship events, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, where a world-class field and firm conditions are once again expected to provide a tough test. Meanwhile, the PGA Tour heads to California for The American Express at La Quinta, an event known for low scoring and multiple host courses, offering a contrasting but equally demanding challenge.
The Big Picture
With tournaments coming thick and fast, equipment launches rolling out weekly and players already sharpening form ahead of bigger moments later in the season, the early weeks of 2026 are delivering plenty to keep an eye on. Whether it’s watching golf or keeping up with new gear as it hits the market, the season is here, and its exciting!
More to come next week.