The Cadillac Championship, the PGA Tour's newest signature tournament, will debut this week at Trump National Doral in Miami, and it has already generated a buzz of questions: what exactly is this event, why has Rory McIlroy chosen to sit it out, and which players might seize the spotlight on the famed Blue Monster? Sky Sports will be broadcasting every round, giving fans a front‑row seat to the drama.
Trump's Doral Resort, purchased in 2012 for roughly $150 million, includes four distinct courses, the most famous of which is the Blue Monster—a 7,500‑yard, par‑72 layout that has long been regarded as one of the toughest tests in American golf. The course earned its nickname not only because the original tees were painted blue, but also because its length, water hazards, and strategically placed bunkers have humbled many of the world’s elite. As Adam Scott noted after his 2016 victory, "It's called the Blue Monster for a reason. It's a big, penal course where wind and precision are everything." The Cadillac Championship should not be confused with the former WGC‑Cadillac Championship, which also took place at Doral between 2007 and 2016.
This new event is part of the PGA Tour’s broader strategy to create more high‑profile gatherings of the sport’s top talent. By expanding the schedule to eight signature events, the Tour hopes to see the leading players compete more regularly throughout the season, thereby raising the overall level of competition and fan interest.
Eligibility for the inaugural Cadillac Championship is generous but selective. All 72 players in the field have earned their spots through a variety of pathways: the top‑50 from the previous year’s FedExCup points list, winners of any PGA Tour event in 2026, and the top‑10 from the AON Next 10 and AON Swing 5 rankings who are not already exempt. Additional slots go to the top‑five FedExCup points earners outside the exempt group and the 30 highest‑ranked players in the Official World Golf Rankings. Because the tournament is a no‑cut event, every competitor will play all four rounds, and even the player who finishes last will still receive a cheque—$40,200 (about £29,808).
The prize pool is substantial: $20 million in total, with the champion slated to pocket $3.6 million (approximately £2.67 million). Second place will earn $2.18 million, while the bottom‑ranked finisher still walks away with a respectable payout. In addition to the cash, the winner will collect 700 FedExCup points, a crucial boost for the season‑long race.
Rory McIlroy’s absence is one of the most talked‑about storylines. The Northern Irish star, fresh off his second Masters triumph in April, decided to take a brief hiatus rather than defend his place in the field. Earlier in the week he attended a White House state dinner hosted by President Donald Trump, during which Trump interrupted a speech to lavish praise on the six‑time major champion.
McIlroy’s decision to skip the event reflects a desire for rest after a grueling stretch of majors and high‑profile appearances. Despite McIlroy’s withdrawal, the roster remains stacked with marquee names. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will be looking to rebound after a recent playoff loss to Matt Fitzpatrick at the RBC Heritage.
Fitzpatrick himself will not be present, having taken a well‑deserved break following back‑to‑back victories—first at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, a team event he won alongside his brother Alex, and then another win that made him the first player since Scheffler in 2024 to secure consecutive PGA Tour titles. Alex Fitzpatrick will make his PGA Tour debut as a full member at this event, a milestone that adds an extra layer of intrigue.
He expressed a relaxed mindset, saying, "Just hopefully on the first tee I'll hit the fairway, and then I'll go from there. I feel my game is in good shape and I'm hoping to keep the form going this week." He also acknowledged the whirlwind nature of a debut, noting, "I have no expectations, but I hope the nerves settle as the week progresses." Another notable return is that of England’s Justin Rose, who announced a partnership with McLaren Golf—making him the first golfer to sign with the Formula 1 team’s golf division. Rose will be debuting his new McLaren‑branded clubs at Doral, adding a technological subplot to the competition. The tournament schedule runs from Thursday, April 3, through Sunday.
Sky Sports will air live coverage of all four rounds, with the opening two rounds shown on Sky Sports Golf at 4 p.m. each day, followed by full‑round coverage on Sky Sports Main Event at 11 p.m. The final two rounds will also be broadcast on Sky Sports Golf starting at 4 p.m.
each day. Viewers can also stream the action without a contract, ensuring broad accessibility. In addition to the main competition, the event highlights the ongoing relationship between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, as the Blue Monster has hosted several LIV tournaments, most recently the 2025 LIV Golf Miami event where Marc Leishman edged out 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel by a single stroke.
Overall, the Cadillac Championship promises a blend of high‑stakes golf, historic venues, and fresh narratives—from McIlroy’s strategic break to the debut of Alex Fitzpatrick and the rollout of McLaren‑designed equipment. Whether the Blue Monster will live up to its fearsome reputation remains to be seen, but the combination of a $20 million purse, FedExCup points, and a field of the world’s best ensures that the tournament will be a compelling watch for fans around the globe.