More Than a Tournament: Looking Ahead to the 2026 Cologuard Classic

Each March, the Cologuard Classic by Exact Sciences brings PGA Tour Champions golfers to Tucson, Arizona. It also brings together a community of patients, survivors, and caregivers – many of whom return year after year to support one another and raise awareness about colon cancer.

Marielle is a colon cancer survivor. She was diagnosed shortly after turning 36. For Marielle, attending the Cologuard Classic for the first time last year was a dream come true. She had hoped to attend the tournament for years – and finally made it.

“This is one of the only events where we get to celebrate us,” Marielle reflected. “I was not prepared for the incredible experience that I was going to have. Everyone should experience this. Every single person.”

At the Cologuard Classic, Marielle made new friends and spent time with others who understand what it means to experience colon cancer. A golfer wore a blue ribbon in honor of her journey – and she celebrated with him when he sank a birdie. She walked the fairway with hundreds of others dressed in blue, making their way to the 15th hole together.

This year, Marielle is coming back. “I look forward to sharing this experience… and I will forever champion this program because of the significant impact that it has had on me.”

Marielle will return alongside hundreds of others who will make the journey to Tucson. In 2026, more than 400 patients, survivors, and loved ones are expected to attend the Cologuard Classic through partnerships with colon cancer advocacy organizations.

Wendi returns for a different reason.

Her husband, Todd, was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer in late 2017, just before turning 50. She lost him in April 2019, after his 16-month fight with the disease.

“After he passed, I had a desire to connect and to share – but I didn’t know what to do with it,” Wendi reflected. “After my first time attending an event like this, it was like – oh, this is how I channel this. This is how I make the connections.”

For the past few years, Wendi has come to the Cologuard Classic to share Todd’s story. Along the way, she’s formed close friendships and built a community of her own.

“The people you meet along this path and that you become friends and family with, it’s just an amazing gift,” Wendi said.

Last week, Wendi received news that stopped her in her tracks. The defending Cologuard Classic champion, Steven Alker, will play in Todd’s honor as part of the Pairings with a Pro program. Throughout the tournament, Alker will wear a blue ribbon with Todd’s name. All professional golf players at the Cologuard Classic wear a blue ribbon with the name of a colon cancer patient, survivor, or in memory of someone who passed from colon cancer.

“Screening and early detection makes such a difference in patient outcomes,” Wendi said. “That’s why I’m here. That’s why I tell Todd’s story. I don’t want other families to go through what ours went through. So, get screened. That’s the message.”

The mission of the Cologuard Classic by Exact Sciences is to raise awareness of colon cancer, highlight available screening options, and recognize those affected by the disease.

For Marielle and Wendi, the Cologuard Classic is more than a tournament. It is a place to remember, find community, and raise awareness about the importance of early detection.