The Cadillac Championship is the PGA Tour's newest marquee tournament, staged at Donald Trump's Trump National Doral in Miami. It marks the first edition of a signature event that should sit alongside the tour's other high‑profile stops, and it is being broadcast live on Sky Sports for a global audience. Trump bought the Doral Resort in 2012 for roughly $150 million, acquiring four courses, the most famous of which is the so‑called Blue Monster. The Blue Monster is a 7,500‑yard, par‑72 layout that has long been regarded as one of the toughest tests in American golf.
Its design incorporates extensive water hazards, deep bunkers positioned at strategic landing zones, and a wind‑swept environment that can punish even the most skilled players. The course earned its nickname not only because of the blue‑colored tees that were originally used, but also because of its intimidating reputation – it can "tame" the world’s elite golfers. The new Cadillac Championship should not be confused with the former WGC‑Cadillac Championship, which was also held at Doral from 2007 to 2016. The current event is part of the PGA Tour’s broader strategy to increase the frequency with which top‑ranked players face each other.
By expanding the schedule to eight signature events, the Tour hopes to create more high‑stakes match‑ups throughout the season. The Cadillac Championship therefore carries a $20 million prize fund, with the winner slated to receive about $3.6 million and 700 FedExCup points. Even the player who finishes last will walk away with a cheque of roughly $40,200, underscoring the event’s no‑cut format – everyone plays all four rounds.
Eligibility for the field is heavily weighted toward the sport’s elite. The top‑50 players from the previous year’s FedExCup standings receive automatic invitations, as do all winners of PGA Tour events in 2026.
Additional spots are allocated through the AON Next 10 and AON Swing 5 rankings, which reward the highest‑ranked players on the FedExCup list who are not already exempt, as well as the top‑five FedExCup point earners and the top‑30 in the Official World Golf Rankings. In total, 72 of the world’s best golfers have been invited to compete. One of the most notable absences this week is Rory McIlroy.
The Northern Irish star, fresh off his second Masters triumph in April, has chosen to skip the Cadillac Championship to enjoy a brief break after a demanding season. McIlroy was recently seen at a White House state dinner hosted by President Trump, where the president interrupted a speech to lavish praise on the six‑time major champion.
Despite the fanfare, McIlroy elected to sit out the Miami event, a decision that has sparked conversation among fans and analysts alike. The field, however, remains stacked with talent.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will be looking to rebound after a recent loss to Matt Fitzpatrick in a playoff at the RBC Heritage.
Fitzpatrick himself will not be in the Doral lineup, having taken a short hiatus following back‑to‑back PGA Tour victories – a feat not achieved since Scheffler’s double win in 2024. One of those victories came at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, where Matt partnered with his brother Alex Fitzpatrick. Alex, who secured a two‑year Tour card through that win, will make his first start as a full PGA Tour member at the Cadillac Championship.
He expressed modest expectations, noting that his primary goal is simply to hit the fairway on the opening tee and let his recent form guide him through the tournament. Another headline‑making participant is Justin Rose, who is returning to the Tour after a brief hiatus following his performance at the Masters. Rose recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with McLaren Golf, becoming the first golfer to sign with the Formula 1‑linked brand. He will debut a set of clubs engineered by McLaren’s automotive technology division, adding an extra layer of intrigue to his comeback.
The Cadillac Championship will be covered comprehensively by Sky Sports. The first two rounds will be shown on Sky Sports Golf beginning at 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, with a full‑round broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event at 11 p.m. The final two rounds will follow a similar schedule on Saturday and Sunday, also starting at 4 p.m.
Viewers can also stream the action without a contract, ensuring broad accessibility. Beyond the prize money and points, the event offers a chance for players to test their skills on a course steeped in history.
The Blue Monster has previously hosted LIV Golf tournaments, including the 2025 LIV Golf Miami event where Marc Leishman edged out 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel by a single stroke. Its reputation for demanding precise shot‑making from tee to green makes it an ideal venue for a signature event that aims to showcase the very best of professional golf. In summary, the inaugural Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral promises a compelling mix of high‑stakes competition, historic venue, and a field filled with both established stars and emerging talents. While McIlroy’s decision to sit out adds a note of curiosity, the tournament will still feature a deep roster of world‑class golfers vying for a substantial purse, valuable FedExCup points, and the prestige of winning one of the Tour’s newest flagship events.