McIlroy Opts Out of Cadillac Championship at Trump’s Doral Course

The Cadillac Championship, the PGA Tour’s newest signature tournament, will debut at Trump National Doral in Miami this Thursday, drawing a field of the world’s elite golfers. While the event promises high‑stakes competition and a $20 million purse, Northern Irish star Rory McIlroy has decided to sit out, choosing a brief respite after his second Masters triumph earlier this month.

Below is a comprehensive look at the tournament, its venue, the eligibility criteria, and the notable players who will be vying for the top spot. ### What Is the Cadillac Championship? The Cadillac Championship is the latest addition to the PGA Tour’s expanding roster of signature events. It should not be confused with the former WGC‑Cadillac Championship, which was also staged at Doral from 2007 to 2016.

This new tournament is part of the Tour’s strategy to bring the sport’s biggest names together more frequently throughout the season. By adding eight signature stops to the calendar, the PGA Tour hopes to create more marquee match‑ups and increase fan engagement.

### The Venue: Trump National Doral – The Blue Monster Donald Trump purchased the Doral Resort in 2012 for roughly $150 million, acquiring four courses, including the famed Blue Monster. The Blue Monster is a 7,500‑yard, par‑72 layout known for its length, strategic bunkering, and numerous water hazards that test even the most skilled players. Its name originates from the original “Blue” designation of the course and the daunting challenge it presents—hence the moniker “Monster.” Former PGA Tour champion Adam Scott summed up the difficulty when he won the last Tour event at Doral in 2016: “It’s called the Blue Monster for a reason.

It’s a big, very penal course. The wind can be a huge factor, so you have to strike it well from tee to green.” The course has also hosted LIV Golf events, most recently the 2025 LIV Golf Miami tournament, where Marc Leishman edged out 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel.

### How Players Qualify The Cadillac Championship is a no‑cut event, meaning every entrant will play all four rounds. Seventy‑two golfers have been invited, selected through several pathways: 1. **Top‑50 FedExCup points from the previous season** – automatic invitations. 2.

**2026 PGA Tour winners** – any player who claimed a Tour victory this year receives an exemption. 3. **AON Next 10 and AON Swing 5 rankings** – these rankings reward the top‑10 players on the FedExCup list who are not already exempt, as well as the top‑5 FedExCup point earners not otherwise qualified.

4. **Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) top‑30** – the highest‑ranked players globally are also guaranteed spots. Because the tournament has no cut, even the player who finishes last on Sunday will still earn a paycheck, receiving a cheque of roughly $40,200.

### Prize Money and FedExCup Points The total purse stands at $20 million, with the champion slated to pocket $3.6 million and 700 FedExCup points. Second place will earn $2.18 million, while the remaining field will receive scaled payouts down to the $40,200 minimum for the last‑place finisher.

These points are crucial for players seeking to secure their status for the following season and to qualify for the season‑ending Tour Championship. ### Notable Absences and Returns Rory McIlroy’s decision to skip the event comes after a busy spring. He celebrated his second Masters win in April and then attended a White House state dinner hosted by President Trump, where the president praised McIlroy’s six major victories. The Northern Irishman has chosen to rest rather than compete in Miami, a move that will be closely watched by his rivals.

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, now ranked No. 3, is taking a break after back‑to‑back victories, including a win at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans alongside his brother Alex Fitzpatrick. Alex, who earned his PGA Tour card for the next two seasons, will make his first start as a Tour member at Doral. He expressed modest expectations, saying, “I just hope I hit the fairway on the first tee and let the rest play out.

My game feels good, but I have no expectations.” **Justin Rose** also returns to the PGA Tour after The Masters. The Englishman recently signed a historic deal with McLaren Golf, becoming the first player to represent the Formula 1‑linked brand.

He will debut his new McLaren‑styled clubs at the Cadillac Championship, adding another storyline to the week’s drama. ### Broadcast Details Sky Sports will provide live coverage of all four rounds. The opening two rounds air on Thursday and Friday at 4 p.m.

on Sky Sports Golf, with full‑round coverage beginning at 11 p.m. on Sky Sports Main Event. The final two rounds will be shown on Saturday and Sunday from 4 p.m. on Sky Sports Golf.

Viewers can also stream the action without a contract via Sky Sports’ online platform. ### Why the Event Matters The Cadillac Championship represents the PGA Tour’s push to create more high‑profile tournaments that attract the sport’s biggest stars. By offering a substantial purse, significant FedExCup points, and a no‑cut format, the Tour hopes to generate excitement comparable to the majors and the Players Championship.

The presence of the world’s top‑ranked players, combined with the challenging Blue Monster layout, sets the stage for compelling competition and potential upsets. ### What to Watch For - **Who will seize the $3.6 million winner’s share?** With Scheffler, Rose, Alex Fitzpatrick, and other elite competitors in the mix, the leaderboard could shift dramatically over the weekend.

- **How will the new McLaren clubs perform?** Justin Rose’s debut of his Formula 1‑inspired equipment will be a focal point for equipment enthusiasts. - **Will any surprise contenders emerge?** The no‑cut format gives lower‑ranked players a chance to stay in contention through all four days, potentially leading to a breakout performance. As the inaugural Cadillac Championship unfolds, fans can expect high‑octane golf, dramatic swings, and a showcase of talent on one of America’s most demanding courses.

Whether you’re tuning in for the drama, the prize money, or the chance to see how the sport’s newest signature event shapes the season, the action at Trump National Doral promises to deliver an unforgettable week of golf.