Fairways & Legends: Your Guide to the Greens

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or just enjoy the quiet beauty of a Sunday final round, golf season is officially here. From its humble 15th-century beginnings on the rough Scottish links to the global stage of 2026, the game remains the ultimate test of skill, strategy, and—most importantly—patience.

As we gear up for a big year on the course, here is everything you need to know to follow the action like a pro.

The 2026 Major Championship Calendar

The Majors are the peak of professional golf. These tournaments bring the best players in the world to some of the most historic courses ever designed.

This year’s schedule is packed with iconic venues and high stakes competition.

The Men’s Majors (The Big Four)

The Masters (April 9–12)
The tradition begins at Augusta National Golf Club, one of the most recognizable courses in the world.

PGA Championship (May 14–17)
Hosted this year at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania, known for its classic Donald Ross design.

U.S. Open (June 18–21)
One of the toughest tests in golf returns to Shinnecock Hills in New York, where brutal course setups often create dramatic finishes.

The Open Championship (July 16–19)
Also known as the British Open, this historic tournament heads to Royal Birkdale in England, where coastal winds make every shot unpredictable.

The Women’s Majors (The Elite Five)

Many casual fans don’t realize that the LPGA features five major championships each year.

The Chevron Championship (April 23–26)
Taking place at Memorial Park in Houston.

U.S. Women’s Open (June 4–7)
Held at the legendary Riviera Country Club in California.

KPMG Women’s PGA Championship (June 25–28)
Hosted at Hazeltine National in Minnesota.

Amundi Evian Championship (July 9–12)
Played at the scenic Evian Resort Golf Club in France.

AIG Women’s Open (July 29–Aug 2)
Closing the major season at Royal Lytham & St Annes in England.

Save the Date: Presidents Cup

One of the most exciting international competitions in golf returns this year.

Presidents Cup (September 22–27)
Team USA vs. The International Team
Hosted at Medinah Country Club near Chicago

These team-style events bring a completely different energy to the sport and often produce some of the most memorable moments of the season.

The GOAT Debate: Who Is the Greatest Golfer of All Time?

If you want to start a friendly debate at the 19th hole, just bring up the question:

Who is the greatest golfer ever?

Every era of golf has produced incredible champions, but a few names consistently appear at the top of the list.

The All-Time Heavy Hitters

Jack Nicklaus
“The Golden Bear” still holds the record with 18 major championships.

Tiger Woods
Arguably the most dominant peak in golf history with 82 PGA Tour wins and 15 majors.

Ben Hogan
Known for his legendary ball-striking and his comeback after a near-fatal car accident.

Bobby Jones
The greatest amateur golfer ever and the founder of The Masters.

Arnold Palmer
“The King” helped bring golf to television audiences and popularized the sport globally.

Other legendary names rounding out the elite tier include:

• Sam Snead

• Gary Player

• Tom Watson

• Walter Hagen

• Byron Nelson

Each of these players helped shape the modern game.

Local Spotlight: New York’s Golf Legends

The Empire State has played an important role in golf history.

Two names stand out when discussing New York’s greatest golfers.

Walter Hagen (Rochester, NY)

Walter Hagen was one of the first professional golfers to become a true international sports star.

His accomplishments include:

• 11 major championships

• 44 PGA Tour victories

• A reputation for bringing style and personality to the game

Hagen helped elevate professional golfers into respected global athletes.

Dottie Pepper (Saratoga Springs, NY)

Dottie Pepper is one of the most accomplished female golfers to come from New York.

Her career highlights include:

• 17 LPGA Tour wins

• 2 major championships

• A respected broadcasting career covering golf for major networks

She remains one of the most recognizable voices in modern golf coverage.

A Quick Refresher on the Scorecard

If you’re new to watching golf, the scoring system is actually simple once you understand a few basic terms.

Par

The expected number of strokes needed to complete the hole.

Birdie

One stroke under par.
A great result and something players celebrate.

Eagle

Two strokes under par.
Rare and exciting, especially on longer holes.

Bogey

One stroke over par.
Even the best golfers record plenty of these.

The key thing to remember when watching golf is simple:

The lower the score, the better the performance.

Why Golf Season Feels Different

Part of what makes golf so compelling is the pace of the game.

Unlike many sports, golf allows fans to appreciate:

• the scenery of historic courses

• the mental strategy behind each shot

• the pressure of late-round moments

A single swing can change everything.

And during major championships, those moments become unforgettable.

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