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Two seasons in a row have produced golfers who managed what once felt nearly impossible: more than one major title in a single year. With the 2026 major calendar looming, that recent pattern reshapes expectations — and raises the question: who is most likely to win a pair of majors this season?
Since Tiger Woods closed the 2000 season by taking three of the year’s final majors, multiple-major campaigns have become a recurring storyline rather than a one-off miracle. In total, players have captured multiple majors in the same year about ten times since that turning point, and the feat has been accomplished by a mix of established champions and late-career resurgences.
The scale of what Woods achieved is still exceptional: he remains the only player in the modern era to complete the three-major run in a single calendar year, and his win at the Masters the following spring produced the famous four-in-a-row sequence often referred to as the Tiger Slam. Woods also recorded seasons with two majors in 2002, 2005 and 2006.
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Later examples show the pattern spreading across generations: Padraig Harrington, Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and Brooks Koepka have all collected two majors in a season, and the most recent back-to-back examples came from Xander Schauffele and Scottie Scheffler, each of whom has now completed the two-major double within a 12-month span.
Why the double still matters
Winning one major remains the career-defining moment for most players; winning two in a single season implies not only peak performance but also the mental and physical resilience to carry top form through distinct courses and conditions. For fans and bettors, it changes how a season is framed — every contender becomes more than a one-off threat.
Who looks most likely in 2026
- Rory McIlroy — A proven winner on green jackets and links, McIlroy’s recent form and history at venues like Royal Birkdale keep him near the top of any prediction list. When he enters a major in clear form, he combines power and course management that translate well across championship setups.
- Scottie Scheffler — As the most recent player to complete the two-major double, Scheffler has demonstrated the week-to-week consistency and temperament majors demand. His ability to handle pressure rounds makes him a persistent threat in any major field.
- Xander Schauffele — A model of steadiness and short-game excellence, Schauffele’s game is well suited to both links-style and parkland tests. He has already shown he can close majors when the opportunity arises.
- Brooks Koepka — When healthy, Koepka’s major record speaks for itself: he peaks for big events and has repeatedly delivered at the highest level. Physical condition will be the main variable that determines his 2026 prospects.
- Jon Rahm — Combining length off the tee with elite iron play and putting, Rahm remains a frequent factor on leaderboards. His adaptability across surfaces and formats makes a two-major season plausible if everything clicks.
Context and caveats
Predicting multiple majors in a single year is inherently uncertain. Courses that rotate onto the schedule, weather, and small margins on Sunday all influence outcomes. Recent repeats of the double show it is more attainable now than it was in past decades, but depth in the field means runners-up and surprise winners remain likely.
For readers tracking 2026, the takeaway is straightforward: a handful of players possess the combination of history, form and course fit to realistically chase two majors. That tight cluster of contenders — rather than a single dominant figure — makes each major an evolving storyline with genuine implications for season-long narratives and legacy discussions.
Below are the key terms to watch this season:
- Double — two majors in the same season
- Triple — three majors in a single calendar year (rare)
- Tiger Slam — four consecutive major victories across two seasons
