Golf · PGA Tour Champions · 2026

Date & time

27 Mar 2026, 17:15

Round

5

Venue

Newport Country Club

Location

Newport Beach, California, United States

The 2026 Hoag Classic commenced at the Newport Beach Country Club, a coastal William Bell and Sons design known for its narrow fairways and tricky poa annua greens. The primary challenge for the field of legends was managing the soft morning conditions, which allowed for aggressive play but required precise distance control to avoid the heavy bunkers protecting the par-71 layout. For the 78-player field, the objective was to secure a low opening score in this 54-hole sprint, where a slow start often proves insurmountable. Strategically, the first round focused on the scorable par-5s, particularly the 3rd and 15th holes. The objective for the veterans was to take advantage of the lack of wind in the early groupings before the afternoon sea breeze typically stiffens. With the pins placed in relatively accessible "Friday positions," the tactical priority was hitting greens in regulation to set up birdie opportunities. As the legends navigated the 6,756-yard course, the goal for leaders was to post a mid-60s score to stay within striking distance of the "hometown" favorites who historically perform well in Orange County.