Much has been made in recent golf media debates about whether The Players Championship should officially be considered the game’s fifth major. At the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February, two-time winner Rory McIlroy offered his perspective: “It is an amazing tournament in its own right and I don't think it being classified a major or not a major makes it any more or any less.”
While the sport’s power brokers continue to weigh in, The Players remains a cornerstone of the CDGA Fantasy Golf presented by Tour Edge calendar. As in recent years, the 2026 edition earlier this month once again served as the opening event in this year’s seven-tournament campaign.
Beyond The Players, this year’s CDGA Fantasy Golf slate features the four men’s majors, along with two premier women’s championships - the U.S. Women's Open presented by Ally and the AIG Women's Open. The CDGA has again partnered with the Majors Challenge platform to power the season-long competition, giving participants real-time scoring and customizable leaderboards - perfect for keeping tabs and fueling friendly bragging rights.
For each event, CDGA members will build a roster of 12 players from four designated pools, with the top 10 scores counting toward event results and season-long CDGA Cup standings. Each tournament offers a wide range of prizes - from equipment and apparel to rounds of golf - while the overall CDGA Cup champion will take home a full set of Tour Edge Hot Launch Max Series irons and woods, complete with a professional fitting and golf bag.
Also returning in 2026 is the popular “Top the Teams” challenge. For every event, featured teams - selected by the CDGA, its corporate partners, and “CDGA Golf Show” presented by Glenview Park Golf Club hosts Tyler Aki and Mike Gilligan - will set the bar. Competing as “TEAM ESPN 1000,” Aki and Gilligan will unveil their picks during the Saturday broadcast before each tournament week. Members who outperform one or more of these teams will be entered into raffles for additional prizes, creating even more chances to win throughout the season.