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Young Emerges as Analysts' Favorite in Wide-Open 2026 PGA Player of the Year Race

Locker-room voting favors high-profile trophies, so remaining playoff events could still decide the award.

Overview

  • On Wednesday analysts and commentators singled out Cameron Young as the leading pick because he won The Players and the Cadillac Championship and finished second at The Open.
  • Scottie Scheffler remains world No. 1 and the season’s most consistent performer but has just one Tour win in 2026, which weakens his case with voters who prize trophies.
  • Matt Fitzpatrick and Chris Gotterup each have three PGA Tour victories this year, while Wyndham Clark’s U.S. Open gives him a major’s claim for votes.
  • Rory McIlroy and Golf Channel analyst Eamon Lynch framed the debate as subjective, saying locker-room voters often reward big moments and visible trophies more than steady statistics.
  • With three key postseason events left and FedEx Cup points still shifting, a late playoff win or jump in the standings could change locker-room sentiment and decide the award.