The Cadillac Championship, the PGA Tour's newest signature tournament, has taken centre stage at Trump National Doral in Miami, drawing a field of the world's elite golfers. While the event promises high‑stakes competition and a $20 million purse, Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy has decided to sit this one out, choosing a brief respite after his second Masters triumph earlier this month.
This article explains what the Cadillac Championship is, why McIlroy is absent, and which players are likely to make an impression on the storied Blue Monster course. **What is the Cadillac Championship?** The Cadillac Championship is the latest addition to the PGA Tour's roster of eight "signature" events, a series created to ensure that the sport's biggest names meet more frequently throughout the season. It should not be confused with the former WGC‑Cadillac Championship, which also took place at Doral but ran from 2007 to 2016 under a different branding.
The new event debuted in early April 2026 and is a no‑cut tournament, meaning every participant plays all four rounds regardless of score. The field consists of 72 players drawn from several eligibility pathways, including the top‑50 from the previous year's FedExCup points list, 2026 PGA Tour winners, and qualifiers from the AON Next 10 and AON Swing 5 rankings. In addition, the top‑30 in the Official World Golf Rankings receive invitations.
**Why is McIlroy skipping the event?** Rory McIlroy, fresh from winning his second green‑ jacket at Augusta, announced that he would miss the Cadillac Championship to enjoy a short break. The Northern Irish star has been busy on the off‑course circuit as well, having attended a White House state dinner hosted by President Donald Trump, where Trump interrupted a speech to laud McIlroy's six major victories. After such a high‑profile appearance and a demanding schedule, McIlroy opted to rest rather than travel to Miami for the tournament. **The venue: Trump National Doral and the Blue Monster** Trump National Doral, purchased by the former president in 2012 for roughly $150 million, comprises four courses, each named after a colour.
The Blue Monster, formerly known simply as the Blue Course, is a 7,500‑yard, par‑72 layout that has earned its fearsome nickname because of its length, deep water hazards, and strategically placed bunkers that guard both fairways and greens. The course has a reputation for testing even the most skilled players; wind can swirl across the exposed fairways, demanding precise ball‑striking from tee to green. Adam Scott, who won the last PGA Tour event at Doral in 2016, summed it up: "It's called the Blue Monster for a reason. It's a big golf course, very penal.
The wind can blow, and that's the biggest challenge out here. So you've got to strike it well, just demanding tee‑to‑green. It's great that we're back." **Who is left to contend?** Even without McIlroy, the field is stacked with talent. World No 1 Scottie Scheffler will be looking to rebound after a heartbreaking loss to Matt Fitzpatrick in a playoff at the RBC Heritage two weeks earlier.
Fitzpatrick, now ranked No 3 globally, is taking a break after back‑to‑back victories, including a win at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans alongside his brother Alex. Alex Fitzpatrick will make his PGA Tour debut at the Cadillac Championship, hoping to carry the momentum from his recent success and secure his tour card for the next two seasons. Justin Rose is another headline name, returning to the Tour after The Masters and becoming the first golfer to sign with McLaren Golf. Rose will debut a new set of clubs engineered by the Formula 1 team's affiliate, adding a technological storyline to the competition.
**Prize money and FedExCup points** The tournament offers a $20 million prize pool, with the champion slated to earn $3.6 million and 700 FedExCup points. Second place will collect $2.18 million, while even the last‑place finisher will leave with a $40,200 cheque, ensuring that every participant receives a payout.
The generous purse and points allocation make the event a crucial stop for players seeking to solidify their positions heading into the season's later majors. **Broadcast details** Sky Sports will provide live coverage of all four rounds. The first two rounds air on Thursday and Friday at 4 p.m.
on Sky Sports Golf, with full‑round coverage moving to Sky Sports Main Event at 11 p.m. The weekend rounds will be shown on Sky Sports Golf beginning at 4 p.m. each day.
Viewers can also stream the action without a contract through Sky Sports' online platform. **What to watch for** With a no‑cut format, every player has a chance to climb the leaderboard each day, creating a dynamic competition where early leaders can be challenged at any moment. The Blue Monster's water‑laden holes, especially the iconic 18th, will test nerves and strategy.
Keep an eye on the younger Fitzpatrick brothers, who may use the event as a springboard for their careers, and on seasoned veterans like Scheffler and Rose, who will be eager to add another trophy to their résumés. In summary, the Cadillac Championship at Trump Doral marks a significant addition to the PGA Tour calendar, offering high stakes, a demanding course, and a field brimming with talent. While McIlroy's absence is notable, the tournament still promises thrilling golf, massive financial rewards, and crucial FedExCup points. Fans can catch every swing, putt, and dramatic moment live on Sky Sports as the world's best compete for the coveted title on the legendary Blue Monster.