Monthly Recap: March
March was one of the most entertaining months of the 2026 season so far, setting the stage for the Masters and reshaping the PGA and LPGA Tour storylines. Unfortunately, there were also some downs during this month, including the Tiger Woods controversy and some unfortunate misses. This summary will provide all necessary information so we know what to expect for some golf in April.
The Players Championship
If March had a defining performance on the PGA Tour, it came at none other than TPC Sawgrass. This year's champion, Cameron Young, captured THE PLAYERS Championship at an astounding 13 - under par (275 across the weekend), navigating the beautiful Stadium Course with a level of control and composure that separates contenders from champions. His early dominance in March gives him plenty of momentum and headroom heading into the Masters weekend. As the calendar flips to April and the season's biggest tournaments approach, all eyes will be on Young to see if he can handle the pressure of being one of, if not the best.
Woodland Wins Again
Gary Woodland delivered one of the most emotional and impactful PGA Tour results of March, securing victory at the Houston Open at 21 - under par (259 across the weekend) and his first victory in 7 years. For Woodland, though, this is more than just a win in Golf. This, for him, was a win in life. Woodland had revealed to the world that he had been battling with PTSD following a brain surgery, and he mentioned after his win that "anyone struggling with something, I hope they see me and don't give up". This definitely resonated with many golf fans around the world, and Woodland has established himself as one of the most likable players on the tour. Not only did this shoot him up to just outside the top 50, but Woodland will prepare to take on the Masters and prove once again that giving up is never the best option.
Fortinet Founder Cup & Standout Performances
The PGA Tour wasn't the only event people had their eyes on. Over in Menlo Park, California, Kim Hyo-joo took home the trophy for the Fortinet Founders Cup for her second straight LPGA Tour win, following her victory at the Ford Championship the previous week. She finished with an amazing 16 - under par (272 across the weekend), only one stroke ahead of the field. Her success propelled her to a career-high World Ranking of No. 3, sitting behind Nelly Korda at 2 and, of course, Jeeno Thitikul at the top spot. As the LPGA Tour progresses, these 3 names will be the biggest to watch as we get ready for the biggest tournaments of the year. The 2026 Aramco Championship will set the groundwork for April golf, and these 3 stars are ready to take it on.
PGA Tour Schedule Overhaul
In mid-March, the PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp outlined major potential changes to the tour's structure, some of which could increase viewership and enhance players' enjoyment. The plan is for this restructuring to take place closer to 2028, giving us some time to learn and adapt to the changes. I will provide a quick summary, but read here if you want to learn more about the potential scheduling changes in the
PGA Rescheduling Proposition.
1. More Signature or "Top-Tier" Events
- Elevated events with stronger fields and bigger purses for the players, creating a clearer hierarchy of status on the schedule.
- Plan includes many more top-flight events spread through the season, ensuring the strongest players compete more often against each other rather than a fragmented schedule.
2. Promotion and Relegation-Style Structure
- The best performances stay in the top tier or gain access to elite events;
Lower performers could drop into a secondary tier.
This would be an interesting shift from the point/exemption style that players and spectators are used to.
3. Market Shifts
- Rolapp mentioned that the tour only competes in 4 of the 10 largest markets. He has proposed expanding to attract more viewers nationwide.
- Places like Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Francisco are at the top of the expansion list.
4. Nothing is Final
- These ideas are only a proposal. There are still ongoing discussions about whether these changes will actually take place. If they do, however, it could completely shift the PGA Tour, positively or negatively.
Woods Arrested in Florida
In late March, legendary golfer Tiger Woods was involved in a single-vehicle rollover crash on 27 March, near his Florida home. Although he blew 0.0 on the breathalyzer, he refused a urine test and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and property damage.
Woods entered a not-guilty plea to the charges and requested a jury trial, waiving his previous arraignment in Martin County. However, Woods shocked the golf community by publicly announcing that he would "step away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health."
Before the crash, Woods made appearances at the TGL Finals, which seemed to be his warm-up for the upcoming Masters Tournament the weekend of the 9th -12th of April. However, the crash and subsequent legal situation have effectively ended his participation in competitive golf for the immediate future. The impact will be huge, as Woods will miss the Masters entirely to focus on his health.
March in One Paragraph
March has given us so much entertainment across both the PGA and LPGA, with a rare back-to-back finish on the LPGA and an emotional win for Woodland in Houston. With the PGA on the verge of expansion and the uncertainty of Woods' future in the sport, 2026 will give us some of the best golf we have seen in years. The weather is starting to get better as well, and with all the municipal courses opening up across the country, be the first to secure a tee time and get out on the course!
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