A PGA Tour season is one that runs for months on end, testing the determination and focus of its members throughout. In this 2026 season of play thus far, the Tour has seen its players reach many highs and some unfortunate lows as well. As the prominent Masters Tournament is right around the corner, many are putting together final game-plans and some others are putting themselves first in all aspects. One member in particular, Isaiah Salinda has decided to step away and focus on bettering himself not only physically, but mentally as well.
Taking Time Away From The Game
Salinda is a 29-year-old who is determined to leave his mark within the sport, already putting together some impressive performances. With a Tour card since 2025, he has made 25 out of 44 cuts in his career so far. In this 2026 season of play, it has been up and down to say the least with three cuts made in seven tournaments featured in. In a recent instagram post, Salinda took time to inform his fanbase of a departure from the sport due to a medical leave.
“After a lot of reflection I have decided to take a medical leave from the PGA Tour, to get my body and more importantly my mental back to a place where I can compete,” Salinda said.
This was not something that Salinda decided in a spur of the moment decision, but one that came with some trials and deep thought. In a season with 35 events and three playoff events, it starts to take a toll on players in many ways than just one. Leaving the decision to put themselves first, or grind out a season with the many factors pulling them down daily.
“I feel like it’s kind of been a long time coming with this decision, I didn’t really think about taking this break up till about two weeks ago,” Salinda said. “Last year was tough for a lot of reasons and kind of drained me. I was kind of going down a path I didn’t want to, so I figured I needed to take some time to prioritize my health and come back better.”
Salinda Far From Finished
This is not the end of a young career from Salinda, but just a much needed pause that the sport has seen from many prominent names as well. Putting yourself first may seem like a hard decision with the many factors in play, yet is the correct step Salinda feels can bring him back to loving the game he once fell for.
“I think for all of us it’s just hard because we’ve been playing golf for so long and don’t really get a break,” Salinda said. “I would say prioritize your health and especially mental health, if you are in a position to take that time I say it’s something you should think about.”
Many may now may be curious as to when they can expect to see Salinda back in competition, and continue his run for a first ever Tour victory in hand.
“It will be at least a few months, but I am planning to come back before the end of the year in the fall,” Salinda said.
With the expected timetable aimed for the fall, those not only in the sport but athletics in general can learn from the decisions made by Salinda to put your overall health first.
Main Photo Credit: © Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
