Picture a journey across the PGA Tour like a long road trip with distinct segments. As the tour shifts from the West Coast to Florida, it’s a bit like trading in your winter coat for a pair of sunglasses. The vibe is all about spring break energy, with the Masters looming like a shimmering Emerald City on the horizon.
We’re six weeks into the 2026 season, and the PGA Tour is hitting its stride. Brooks Koepka and Collin Morikawa are back in action, while Scottie Scheffler and Justin Rose have been steady forces.
Young talents like Chris Gotterup and Jacob Bridgeman are making waves, collecting trophies and turning heads. Jake Knapp’s consistency with five top-11 finishes, and Pierceson Coody’s upward trend, add to the excitement.
Justin Thomas is expected back soon, and Tiger Woods is teasing a possible appearance at Augusta. The anticipation is palpable.
Every sports season has its rhythm. In golf, the transition from California to Florida marks a pivotal shift.
The West Coast swing, including Hawaii, set the stage beautifully, introducing new faces and reaffirming the tour’s knack for cultivating fresh talent. Gotterup’s rise to sixth in the world rankings underscores this, as he joins the ranks of Scheffler, Morikawa, and Rose among the top six.
Gotterup’s journey is compelling. Will he be a fleeting star like Wyndham Clark, or is he built for longevity with his unique swing and confident demeanor?
Bridgeman, meanwhile, made history by winning at Riviera, something legends like Woods and Nicklaus never did. His approach of embracing pressure rather than shying away from it is a testament to his mindset.
Scheffler’s first-round struggles out West were surprising, shooting 73-72-74 over three weeks. Yet, his resilience shone through, playing the final rounds at a combined 51-under par. With a break before the Arnold Palmer Invitational, he’s poised to make a statement at Bay Hill.
Arnie’s course is a test of grit, where par is a formidable opponent. The Florida swing, starting with the Cognizant Classic, sets the stage for the Players Championship. Just as Pebble Beach and Riviera felt like major events, Bay Hill and TPC Sawgrass will carry that same weight.
After weeks of scorching scores, Florida’s courses demand precision and strategy. It’s a shift from the birdie-fests in California to the tactical battles ahead. As the season unfolds, the focus sharpens, and all roads lead to Augusta, where the Masters awaits.