The Cadillac Championship is the PGA Tour’s newest signature tournament, staged at Donald Trump’s Trump National Doral in Miami. While the event promises a star‑studded field and a $20 million purse, world No.
1 Rory McIlroy has chosen to sit out, taking a brief hiatus after his second Masters triumph earlier this month. Below is a comprehensive guide to the tournament, its venue, the eligibility rules, and the key players who will be vying for the top spot. ### What Is the Cadillac Championship?
The Cadillac Championship debuted in 2026 as part of the PGA Tour’s effort to create more high‑profile events that bring the sport’s elite together more often. It should not be confused with the former WGC‑Cadillac Championship, which also took place at Doral from 2007 to 2016.
This new event is a “signature” tournament, meaning it carries a larger purse, more FedExCup points, and a no‑cut format that guarantees all participants a chance to play the weekend rounds. ### The Venue: Trump National Doral – The Blue Monster Donald Trump bought the Doral Resort in 2012 for roughly $150 million, acquiring four courses, the most famous of which is the 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 the United States.
Its design features expansive water hazards, strategically placed bunkers, and a reputation for punishing wind conditions. The course earned its nickname both from the original “Blue” designation of its tees and from the way it can dominate even the world’s best golfers. 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, very penal course.
The wind can blow, and that’s the biggest challenge out here. You have to strike it well from tee to green.” The Blue Monster has also hosted LIV Golf events, most recently the 2025 LIV Golf Miami tournament, where Marc Leishman edged out 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel by a single stroke.
### How Players Qualify Seventy‑two of the sport’s top competitors have been invited to the inaugural Cadillac Championship. The field is assembled through several pathways: 1. **Top‑50 FedExCup points from the previous season** – these players receive automatic invitations.
2. **2026 PGA Tour winners** – anyone who captured a Tour victory during the current season is exempt. 3. **AON Next 10 and AON Swing 5 rankings** – the top‑10 players on the FedExCup standings who are not already exempt, plus the top‑5 FedExCup points earners not otherwise qualified, gain entry.
4. **Official World Golf Rankings** – the 30 highest‑ranked players worldwide also receive spots.
Because the tournament is a no‑cut event, all 72 entrants will play the full four rounds, and even the player who finishes at the bottom of the leaderboard will still earn a cheque for his effort. ### Why McIlroy Is Skipping Rory McIlroy, fresh from his second Masters win in April, decided to forego the Cadillac Championship in order to rest and recover after a grueling season.
He was recently seen at a White House state dinner hosted by President Trump, where the president interrupted a speech to commend the six‑time major champion. Despite the high‑profile appearance, McIlroy chose to prioritize his health and mental freshness over immediate competition. ### The Rest of the Field Even without McIlroy, the tournament boasts a deep roster of talent. World No.
1 **Scottie Scheffler** will be looking to rebound after a narrow playoff loss to Matt Fitzpatrick at the RBC Heritage. Fitzpatrick, now world No. 3, is taking a break after back‑to‑back PGA Tour victories – a feat not achieved since Scheffler in 2024.
His most recent triumph came at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, a team event he won alongside his brother Alex Fitzpatrick. Alex Fitzpatrick will make his first start as a full PGA Tour member at Doral. He expressed modest expectations, noting, “I just hope I can hit the fairway on the first tee and let the rest unfold. My game feels solid, and I’ve been improving over the past few months, so I’ll try to keep that momentum.” **Justin Rose** is also returning to the Tour after The Masters.
The Englishman announced a landmark partnership with McLaren Golf, becoming the first golfer to sign with the Formula 1‑linked brand. He will debut the new McLaren‑manufactured clubs at the Cadillac Championship, adding another storyline to the event.
### Prize Money and FedExCup Points The total purse stands at $20 million (£14.8 million), with the champion slated to pocket $3.6 million (£2.67 million). Second place will earn $2.18 million (£1.56 million), while even the last‑place finisher will leave with $40,200 (£29,808).
In addition to the financial rewards, the winner will collect 700 FedExCup points, a substantial boost in the season‑long race. ### Broadcast Details Sky Sports will provide live coverage of all four rounds. The opening rounds on Thursday and Friday will begin at 4 p.m.
on Sky Sports Golf, with full‑round coverage shifting to Sky Sports Main Event at 11 p.m. The weekend rounds will air on Sky Sports Golf from 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Viewers can also stream the event without a contract, ensuring broad accessibility. ### Looking Ahead The Cadillac Championship represents a significant addition to the PGA Tour calendar, offering a lucrative purse, abundant FedExCup points, and a unique no‑cut format that guarantees every invited player a chance to compete through the weekend. While McIlroy’s absence is notable, the field remains stacked with world‑class talent, from Scheffler and the Fitzpatrick brothers to Rose and other top‑ranked players.
Golf fans can look forward to high‑stakes drama on the demanding Blue Monster, a course that has earned its fearsome reputation by testing the skill, strategy, and composure of the game’s best.