Brentwood, Tenn., – Softspikes continued its flawless start to the 2026 PGA TOUR season this weekend, as the winner of THE PLAYERS Championship became the 10th consecutive PGA TOUR champion this year to win wearing replaceable spikes.
Competing in one of the most demanding events in golf, the champion trusted a FootJoy Premiere shoe fitted with a Pulsar and Metal Stinger combination to secure the biggest victory of his PGA TOUR career. The win came after a dramatic Sunday at TPC Sawgrass, where a tightly packed leaderboard saw several challengers falter down the stretch before the eventual champion delivered under pressure to claim the title and the $4.5 million winner’s prize.
The result extends a remarkable run for replaceable traction on the PGA TOUR in 2026. Ten events have now been played this season and all 10 have been won by players wearing replaceable spikes, reinforcing the continued preference among the world’s best players for the stability and connection to the ground that spikes provide.
That advantage was again clear across the leaderboard at TPC Sawgrass, where 36 of the top 41 finishers chose replaceable spikes over spikeless alternatives. On a course renowned for demanding precision, balance and total commitment to every shot, the overwhelming preference among leading players once again highlighted the performance benefits of replaceable traction.
“The start to the PGA TOUR season has been exceptional and reaching 10 wins from the first 10 events really underlines how important traction is at the highest level of the game,” said Joe Henderson, President of Softspikes. “THE PLAYERS is one of the toughest tests players face all year. When you’re competing on a stage like that, where every shot matters, having complete confidence in your footing can make all the difference.”
The champion’s spike configuration also reflected how elite players continue to fine-tune traction setups to suit the conditions they face. By combining Pulsar and Metal Stinger models within a premium performance shoe, the winning setup delivered a balance of comfort, grip and stability throughout a high-pressure final round.
With 10 consecutive PGA TOUR victories to open the season, Softspikes continues to build momentum in 2026, reinforcing that replaceable spikes remain the traction choice of champions across the world’s biggest stages.
Tour players routinely change spikes based on course conditions, but many amateur golfers overlook traction’s impact on consistency and distance. For optimal performance, golfers should replace spikes every 15 rounds.
For more information on replaceable traction and to shop all Softspikes models visit www.softspikes.com
Follow Softspikes on social media at:
- Instagram: @softspikesgolf
- Facebook: @softspikes
- Twitter: @softspikesgolf
About Softspikes:
Softspikes is the #1 spike on the PGA Tour and leader in golf spike technology. Manufactured by PrideSports® and founded in 1993 following a winter metal spike “ban” endorsed by several U.S. State Golf Associations, Softspikes became the industry’s first and only patented non-metal cleat. Offering enhanced traction, added comfort and improved performance, Softspikes replacement spikes can be purchased on Softspikes.com or through major retailers, sporting goods and golf specialty stores and pro shops nationwide.
Media Contact: Andrew Boxer, andy@front9group.com
