As we approach the one-third mark of the PGA Tour season, it’s a good time to reflect on some of the notable risers and fallers this year. With three months of competition behind us, we can make informed observations about the trajectories of various players. Below are those whose performances in 2026 have significantly influenced my perspective on them.
Jacob Bridgeman: A Major Revelation
Jacob Bridgeman stands out as the player who has most shifted my outlook this season. He’s proven to be an exceptional player, akin to Ben Griffin’s rise in 2025 — rapidly enhancing his game before breaking into the top tier of players globally. Bridgeman boasts four top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour this year, the highest of any competitor, including a pivotal victory at Riviera, where he narrowly defeated Rory McIlroy. His overall game is robust, but his putting is particularly exceptional, gaining 1.33 strokes per round. This figure could set a new record if maintained throughout the season. While his putting may regress, he still has the potential for a historic season.
Cameron Young: Continued Excellence
Many would likely categorize Cameron Young as a standout performer due to his three consecutive top-10 finishes, including a recent victory. However, those of us familiar with Young’s capabilities were not caught off guard. His significant win at the Players Championship and ascent to No. 3 in the Official World Golf Ranking has always been anticipated for a talent like his. While his achievements are impressive, they don’t come as a surprise to us.
Min Woo Lee: Signs of Growth
I’m optimistic about Min Woo Lee and the evidence of his improvement this year. Just 10 months ago, I criticized Lee’s control over his ball speed and overall game, often relying on an exceptional short game with underwhelming iron play. His track record in major tournaments highlighted deficiencies in his skill set. However, in 2026, Lee has become a more well-rounded golfer. He’s adjusted his driving speed for better accuracy, moving from 159th to 37th in Driving Accuracy. His iron performances have also surged, rising from 166th to 77th in Strokes Gained: Approach. While I still hesitate to fully drop my previous label of “ball-speed fraud,” my expectations for Lee in upcoming majors are cautiously optimistic.
Tom Kim: Mixed Performances
I find myself somewhat disappointed with Tom Kim’s performance this year, despite a slight improvement compared to last season. Moreover, his conduct during TGL has been disheartening. While I acknowledge Kim’s dedication to TGL, his showboating and missteps, such as mismanagement of rough areas and questionable practice priorities, detract from his focus as a golfer. Given that he hasn’t finished in the top 10 since February 2025, a bit more self-awareness might serve him well as he navigates competitive golf.
Michael Thorbjornsen: Strong Upsurge
Some may argue that placing Michael Thorbjornsen in the Risers category is too generous, but they would be mistaken. The 24-year-old nearly clinched victory at the WM Phoenix Open this year and recently found himself in the final pair at the Players Championship. Although he struggled on Sunday, his consistent contention in high-stakes tournaments is a sign of growth for a young player with outstanding potential. Thorbjornsen’s trajectory appears to be on the rise, and he could very well secure a win in Houston this week.
J.J. Spaun: A Major Disappointment
My biggest letdown this season has been J.J. Spaun. Whether it stems from an injury or simply a decline in form, Spaun has not performed up to the standards he set after an impressive 2025. His previous successes at both the Players Championship and the FedEx St. Jude Championship suggest he is not a fluke, yet 2026 has seen him miss four cuts and fail to achieve a top-20 finish. Compounding the issue is his struggles on the putting green, losing almost a full stroke per round. While poor putting might explain part of his downturn, his ball-striking has also diminished. I hope to see him return to form soon, but thus far, 2026 has not been kind to the reigning U.S. Open champion.
