The Next First-Time Major Winner: Who’s Knocking Loudest on the Door?
Golf’s four Major Championships represent the ultimate test of talent, toughness, and timing. For years, fans have watched a select group of players come close, sometimes heartbreakingly so, without quite managing to seal the deal. With the current wave of elite talent in their late 20s and early 30s still chasing that elusive first major, the question has never been more relevant: Who’s next? From rising stars to seasoned veterans, several players appear poised to break through. Let’s take a closer look at five players who have a great shot to become golf’s next first-time Major champion.
Ludvig Aberg – Age 25 | Best Major Finish: Second at the 2024 Masters
Ludvig Aberg is on the fast track to superstardom. At just 24 years old, the Swedish sensation has already finished runner-up at the 2024 Masters, a seventh-place finish at the 2025 Masters, and has cemented himself as one of the world’s most complete young players. His ball-striking and distance control are elite, and he’s shown a maturity beyond his years in high-pressure moments. Aberg’s ability to shape shots, manage tough courses, and make clutch putts makes him a threat at any major venue. His current form has been consistent with multiple top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour in 2025 and a game trending toward something truly special. Given his game’s well-rounded nature and mental composure, Aberg has a strong chance to break through at any of the Major Championships, no matter the venue. Augusta fits his high ball flight and precision irons, the U.S. Open rewards his discipline and control, and he can bomb and gauge any of the PGA Championship courses. If his short game continues to improve, it’ll only be a matter of time before he slips on a green jacket or hoists any of the other Major Championship trophies.
Tommy Fleetwood – Age 34 | Best Major Finish: Second at the 2018 U.S. Open and the 2019 Open Championship
Few players have come closer, more often, than Tommy Fleetwood. Now 33 years old, the Englishman has eight top-10 finishes in Majors, including a solo second at both the U.S. Open in 2018 and The Open Championship in 2019. It’s become extremely common to see Fleetwood’s name on the top half of leaderboards at some of the biggest events. Known for his smooth swing and elite ball control, Fleetwood has the temperament and experience to win on golf’s biggest stages. His 2025 season has featured flashes of vintage form, and he’s looked increasingly sharp on approach shots and around the greens. While questions have lingered about his closing ability, recent performances suggest he’s ironing out those mental lapses. Fleetwood is particularly dangerous at PGA Championship venues where shot shaping and mid-iron play is rewarded, and he’s a perennial threat at The Open with his links background. The U.S. Open, with its emphasis on ball striking and patience, also plays into his strengths. If his putter heats up at the right time, Fleetwood could finally shed the title of “best player without a major.”
Viktor Hovland – Age 27 | Best Major Finish: Tied for Second at the 2023 PGA Championship
Viktor Hovland has all the tools to be a major champion, and it seems that it’s just a matter of when. The 27-year-old Norwegian already has a FedEx Cup title and multiple PGA Tour wins under his belt. His calm demeanor in high-stakes situations just sets him apart. He came agonizingly close at the 2023 PGA Championship, finishing tied for second, and has four top-10 major finishes to his name. Hovland’s recent form has been less than spectacular, but he has flashed some of that elite form we expect from him recently. He won the 2025 Valspar Championship and finished tied for 21st at the 2025 Masters. His best opportunities will likely come at the PGA Championships, where his elite ball-striking and shot-making abilities shine. Hovland has worked hard on his short game, traditionally his biggest weakness and the improvements are slowly showing. If he can continue to find confidence in his game and the Major Championship experience stacking up, he’s one red-hot week away from his first major title.
Patrick Cantlay – Age 33 | Best Major Finish: Tied for Third at the 2019 PGA Championship and 2024 U.S. Open
Patrick Cantlay is one of the most methodical and composed players in the game, but he’s yet to turn that calm demeanor into a Major Championship win. At 33 years old, the clock isn’t ticking loudly yet, but the expectation continues to build. His tied for third-place finishes at the 2019 PGA Championship and the 2024 U.S. Open are his best in a Major, though he’s logged several other top-10 finishes. Known for his stoic demeanor and elite iron play, Cantlay excels on challenging setups that require patience and precision. His 2025 form has been decent, though not dominant, and fans are waiting for him to catch fire in a big event. His best chances will likely come at a PGA Championship or U.S. Open, where tough conditions reward his grind-it-out style and elite putting. The key for Cantlay will be maintaining aggression when it matters most, something he’s struggled with late on Sundays. If he can pair his consistency with a hot putter for four straight days, he has the pedigree to win anywhere.
Tyrrell Hatton – Age 33 | Best Major Finish: Tied for Fifth at the 2016 Open Championship
Tyrrell Hatton is a firecracker—intense, emotional, but incredibly talented. The 33-year-old Englishman is one of the most dynamic players on any leaderboard, known for his aggressive style and strong iron play. His best major finish remains tied for fifth place at the 2016 Open Championship, but he’s consistently made cuts and hovered around contention ever since. While his temper can be both a gift and a curse, his ability to score in tough conditions is undeniable. His form in 2025 has been solid, with a top-15 at the Masters and three top-20s at LIV Golf events, signs that a breakthrough may be on the horizon. Unlike others on this list, Hatton has the skill set to contend in all four majors. His versatility makes him dangerous at Augusta, gritty at the U.S. Open, and right at home in The Open Championship’s wild links conditions. If he finds the right balance of emotional control and execution, Hatton could finally raise a major trophy in dramatic fashion.
Final Thoughts
The next first-time major winner is coming and it may be sooner than we think. With a deep roster of contenders who have already proven they can thrive on golf’s biggest stages, it’s not a matter of if, but when. Ludvig Aberg and Viktor Hovland are breakout stars with fast upward trajectories. Fleetwood, Cantlay, and Hatton have the experience and scar tissue to fuel a strong push at every Major event. Each player has the all-around game and grit to win anywhere. They all have the talent, drive, and current form to change the course of their careers in a single week. All that’s left is for one of them to deliver when it matters most.
