🗓🏌🏽♂️ March 2026: the Must-See Competitions on the PGA TOUR🏆(updated with the Winners)
- Feb 28
- 11 min read
Updated: Mar 31
Last update: March 31, 2026
🇺🇸🏌🏽♂️Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, March 2-8, Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando, Florida • USA
Founded in 1966 as the Florida Citrus Open, the event moved to Bay Hill in 1979 and was renamed in 2007 to honor Arnold Palmer, who won the tournament in 1971.
One of the PGA Tour’s eight Signature Events, featuring a reduced field (72 players), no Monday qualifying, and a 36-hole cut to the top 50 and ties.
The winner receives a red cardigan sweater in memory of Arnold Palmer, a tradition since 2017. 🔎Arnold Palmer (1929-2016), affectionately known as "The King," was an American professional golfer who revolutionized the sport. His dynamic playing style and charismatic personality captivated fans, transforming golf from a gentleman's game into a widely popular spectator sport. Palmer's 4 Masters Tournament victories and numerous other triumphs solidified his legendary status. Beyond his golfing achievements, he was a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, leaving an enduring legacy on and off the course.
Golf Course Architect: Bay Hill Club & Lodge was originally designed by Dick Wilson in 1961, with later modifications by Arnold Palmer.
The winner receives a trophy that reflects Arnold Palmer’s legacy and the tournament’s prestige. The event also grants a three-year PGA Tour exemption and entry into The Open Championship.
Notable Past Winners: Tiger Woods (8 wins, including four in a row from 2000–2003), Matt Every (defended his title in 2015), and Payne Stewart (set the tournament record of 264 in 1987).
💰 Purse: $20,000,000
💯 FedExCup: 700 pts
Previous winner (2025): 🇺🇸 Russell Henley ($4,000,000)
🏆 Winner 2026: 🇺🇸 A. Bathia ($4,000,000) - Age: 24 - Turned Pro in 2019
👉🏼 Akshay Bhatia etched his name into golf history by winning the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational, securing his third PGA Tour victory and first at a Signature Event with a dramatic playoff triumph over Daniel Berger. Bhatia, who entered the final round five shots behind, staged a remarkable back-nine charge, including a crucial eagle at the 16th and four birdies, to force a sudden-death playoff, which he won with a steady par on the first extra hole. His victory earned him the tournament’s record $4 million winner’s share from a $20 million purse, and marked the first playoff at the Arnold Palmer Invitational since 1999, ending the longest active drought on the PGA Tour.
💡 Did you know that...
🐣 Born in Northridge, California, to Indian immigrant parents, Akshay Bhatia began golfing at age five after watching his older sister compete. By age eight, he had already won his first junior event.
🌎 International Success: he represented the U.S. at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics, winning two silver medals. He also played on the 2017 U.S. Junior Presidents Cup and 2018 Junior Ryder Cup teams.
🏆 PGA Tour Wins: as of 2026, Bhatia has three PGA Tour victories, including the 2024 Valero Texas Open (his first full FedEx Cup points win), the 2024 Barracuda Championship and the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational.
✋🏾 He is one of the few left-handed players on the PGA Tour.
🇵🇷🏌🏽♂️Puerto Rico Open, March 2-8, Grand Reserve Country Club, Rio Grande • Puerto Rico
It’s the only PGA Tour event held in the Caribbean and is played opposite the Arnold Palmer Invitational, offering a chance for emerging players to earn FedExCup points.
The Puerto Rico Open was first played in 2008, but its roots go back to the 1950s and 1960s as part of the PGA-sponsored Caribbean Tour.
Golf Course Architect: Grand Reserve Golf Club was designed by Tom Kite, the course offers scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and El Yunque National Forest. 🧐 Born in 1949, Tom Kite is an American golfing legend, renowned for his consistent play and strategic brilliance. He achieved 19 PGA Tour victories, culminating in a U.S. Open Championship win at Pebble Beach in 1992. Beyond his playing career, Kite has excelled as a respected golf course architect, designing courses known for their playability and environmental sensitivity.
The event provides a two-year PGA Tour exemption and entry into the PGA Championship.
Notable Past Winners: Viktor Hovland (2020), Ryan Brehm (2022), Michael Bradley (only two-time winner, 2009 & 2011).
The event was once considered “cursed” because no winner had ever won another PGA Tour event, until Viktor Hovland broke the curse in 2020.
💰 Purse: $4,000,000
💯 FedExCup: 300 pts
Previous winner (2025): 🇦🇺 Karl Vilips ($720,000)
🏆 Winner 2026: 🇺🇸 Ricky Castillo ($720,000) - Age: 25 - Turned Pro in 2023
👉🏼 Ricky Castillo etched his name into the annals of PGA Tour history with a commanding performance at the Puerto Rico Open 2026, held at the scenic Grand Reserve Golf Club in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. On March 8, 2026, the 25-year-old American secured his maiden PGA Tour victory, finishing the tournament with a total score of 17-under 271 after a flawless final round of 5-under 67. His bogey-free performance under challenging wind conditions showcased both his skill and mental fortitude, allowing him to edge out Chandler Blanchet by a single stroke and 18-year-old sensation Blades Brown by three.
💡 Did you know that...
The victory was not only a personal triumph for Castillo, a former standout golfer at the University of Florida, but also a significant financial milestone. He took home the winner’s share of $720,000 from a total purse of $4 million, propelling his season earnings past the $1 million mark. Beyond the monetary reward, the win granted Castillo a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour, along with coveted invitations to the 2026 Players Championship and the 2026 PGA Championship.
The tournament itself was a thrilling spectacle, highlighted by the emergence of young talent. Blades Brown, just 18 years old, made a valiant push to become the youngest PGA Tour winner in nearly a century. His challenge, however, faltered after a costly triple-bogey on the 13th hole, opening the door for Castillo to claim the title. The event also underscored the growing depth of talent on the PGA Tour, with Castillo’s steady play and composure under pressure setting him apart from the field.
🇺🇸🏌🏽♂️THE PLAYERS Championship, March 10-15, TPC Sawgrass (The Players Stadium Course), Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida • USA
Founded in 1974, THE PLAYERS is often called the “fifth major” due to its strong field, challenging course, and large purse.
The event moved to TPC Sawgrass in 1982, where it has been held ever since.
Golf Course Architect: TPC Sawgrass (Stadium Course) was designed by Pete Dye, it’s famous for the iconic par-3 17th “Island Green”. The 17th hole is one of the most recognized and feared in golf.
Notable Past Winners: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jack Nicklaus, Scottie Scheffler (first back-to-back winner in 2024).
💰 Purse: $25,000,000
💯 FedExCup: 750 pts
Previous winner (2025): (NIR) Rory McIlroy ($4,500,000) won in a playoff!
🏆 Winner 2026: 🇺🇸 Cameron Young ($4,500,000) - Age: 28 - Turned Pro in 2019
👉🏼 Cameron Young claimed the most prestigious victory of his career to date by winning THE PLAYERS Championship 2026, held at the iconic TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The tournament, often referred to as the “fifth major” due to its elite field and massive purse, concluded on March 15, 2026, with Young emerging triumphant after a dramatic final round.
Young entered the final day trailing the leaders, but his composed and clutch performance, a 4-under 68, propelled him to the top of the leaderboard. He overcame a four-shot deficit, outlasting both Ludvig Åberg and Matt Fitzpatrick, who faltered down the stretch with costly errors, including multiple water balls on the treacherous 17th hole. Young’s victory was sealed with a memorable approach shot on the 18th, where he famously told himself, “I’m going to hit the best shot of my life right here,” and delivered under pressure.
The win marked Young’s second PGA Tour title, following his breakthrough at the 2025 Wyndham Championship. With this victory, he claimed the largest paycheck in golf (a staggering $4.5 million from the record $25 million purse) pushing his career earnings past the $30 million mark. Young also earned 80 Official World Golf Ranking points, significantly bolstering his standing among the world’s elite players.
💡 Did you know that...
🏌🏽♂️🏌🏼♀️ Cameron Young was born in Scarborough, New York, and grew up immersed in golf. His father, David Young, was the head professional at Sleepy Hollow Country Club, and his aunt was also a golf teaching professional. This family connection to the game helped shape his early passion and skill for golf.
💪🏽 Young is known for his prodigious driving distance, often ranking among the longest hitters on the PGA Tour. His ability to drive the ball over 370 yards has become a signature part of his game, thrilling fans and giving him a competitive edge on long courses.
👏🏽 Following his win at THE PLAYERS Championship, Young reached a career-high of 4th in the Official World Golf Ranking, cementing his place among the elite players in the sport.
🇺🇸🏌🏽♂️Valspar Championship, March 16-22, Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course), Palm Harbor, Florida • USA
Founded in 2000, it became the Valspar Championship in 2013. The tournament is known as the “Most Colorful PGA TOUR Tournament in the World” for its vibrant atmosphere and fan engagement.
The Copperhead Course, designed by Larry Packard, is renowned for its demanding 🐍"Snake Pit" - the challenging three-hole closing stretch (holes 16-18) that often determines the tournament's outcome. Unlike many Florida courses, the Copperhead features significant elevation changes and tree-lined fairways, making it one of the most unique and demanding tests on Tour.
Notable Past Winners: Sam Burns (2021, 2022), Paul Casey (2018, 2019), Retief Goosen, K.J. Choi.
The tournament celebrates everyday heroes (healthcare workers and first responders) with free “Heroes Appreciation Tickets”.
💰 Purse: $9,100,000
💯 FedExCup: 500 pts
Previous winner (2025): 🇳🇴 Viktor Hovland ($1,566,000) won by one stroke over Justin Thomas.
🏆 Winner 2026: 🏴 Matt Fitzpatrick ($1,638,000) - Age: 31 - Turned Pro in 2014
👉🏼 Fitzpatrick, known for his precision and mental fortitude, secured his third PGA Tour title and his first victory since 2023, ending a recent drought in dramatic fashion.
Fitzpatrick entered the final round three shots behind the 54-hole leader, Sungjae Im, but staged a remarkable comeback. He carded a 3-under 68 in the final round, finishing at 11 under par for the tournament. His victory was sealed with a crucial birdie on the 18th hole, allowing him to edge out David Lipsky by a single stroke. The win was especially sweet for Fitzpatrick, coming just one week after a narrow loss at The Players Championship, where he finished as runner-up.
💡 Did you know that...
💪🏽 Matt Fitzpatrick is no stranger to high-pressure situations. He claimed his first major championship at the 2022 U.S. Open, where his steady play and clutch putting set him apart. His ability to perform under pressure was again on full display at Innisbrook, particularly on the challenging closing stretch known as “The Snake Pit.” Fitzpatrick’s strategic approach and calm demeanor have drawn comparisons to English golf legends like Nick Faldo.
😁Despite his success, Fitzpatrick is known for his down-to-earth personality and self-deprecating humor. His ability to plot his way around a golf course with surgical accuracy has become his trademark, earning him the nickname “The Strategist” among fans and commentators.
🏌🏽♂️ Fitzpatrick is one of the few players on the PGA Tour who still uses a traditional blade-style putter, a rarity in the modern game where mallet putters dominate. His loyalty to his trusty flatstick is a nod to his old-school approach and confidence in his own abilities.
⚽️ Off the course, Fitzpatrick is known for his dry wit and passion for football, supporting his hometown club, Sheffield United FC.
🇺🇸🏌🏽♂️Texas Children’s Houston Open, March 23-29, Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston, Texas • USA
One of the oldest PGA Tour events, dating back to 1946. It has been held at various Houston venues, returning to Memorial Park in 2020 after a major renovation.
The only PGA Tour event played on a public municipal course.
The Memorial Park Golf Course, originally established in 1912 for convalescent soldiers, was redesigned in 1935 by legendary architect John Bredemus. In 2019, the Astros Golf Foundation led a $34 million renovation, enlisting renowned architect Tom Doak and player consultant Brooks Koepka to completely rebuild every hole, green, and tee box. The project introduced state-of-the-art drainage and irrigation systems, a new driving range, and a First Tee facility, ensuring sustainability and modern playability.
The tournament is known for its strong community impact and has hosted some of golf’s greatest players. Notable Past Winners: Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, Payne Stewart, Tony Finau.
💰 Purse: $9,900,000
💯 FedExCup: 500 pts
Previous winner (2025): 🇦🇺 Min Woo Lee ($1,710,000) won with an impressive performance, marking his 1st victory on the PGA Tour.
🏆 Winner 2026: 🇺🇸 Gary Woodland ($1,782,000) - Age: 41 - Turned Pro in 2007
👉🏼 Gary Woodland claimed a commanding victory at the 2026 Texas Children’s Houston Open. The American golfer finished the tournament with a remarkable 21-under-par total of 259, securing a five-stroke lead over 🇩🇰 Nicolai Højgaard, who finished in solo second at 16-under. Woodland’s rounds of 64, 63, 65, and 67 showcased his consistency and dominance throughout the week, culminating in a final-round 67 that sealed his triumph. This victory qualified him for the upcoming 2026 Masters Tournament, adding another layer of significance to his achievement.
💡 Did you know that...
🏆 Gary Woodland has won 5 times on the PGA Tour.
💪🏽 Woodland’s win is particularly inspiring given his recent personal and health challenges. In 2023, he underwent brain surgery and later revealed his battle with post-traumatic stress disorder, making his return to the winner’s circle all the more poignant.
☄️ At 41 years old, Woodland led the PGA Tour in driving distance and clubhead speed in 2026, averaging over 127 mph, outpacing many players nearly half his age.
🎓 Born and raised in Topeka, Kansas, Woodland is a proud Jayhawk, having played college golf at the University of Kansas before turning professional.
⛳️ Woodland has a strong history at Memorial Park Golf Course, finishing tied for second at the 2025 Texas Children’s Houston Open, which set the stage for his 2026 victory.
👨👩👦👦 Woodland and his wife are parents to twins, born in 2017, and have been open about the challenges and joys of balancing family life with a professional golf career.
🐆 Woodland is known for his long-standing partnership with Puma Golf, often sporting their gear and shoes during tournaments, including his 2026 Houston Open win.
