The Cadillac Championship is the PGA Tour’s latest signature tournament, staged for the first time at Trump National Doral in Miami, Florida. The event, which debuted in early April, brings together a field of the world’s elite golfers for a no‑cut, four‑day competition on the famed Blue Monster course.
While the tournament promises a $20 million purse and 700 FedExCup points for the champion, Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy has chosen to sit out, taking a brief hiatus after his recent triumph at the Masters. Trump National Doral, purchased by former President Donald Trump in 2012 for roughly $150 million, comprises four courses, each originally named for a colour.
The Blue Monster, a 7,500‑yard, par‑72 layout, is the most celebrated of the quartet. Its nickname reflects both the deep blue tees that traditionally mark the course and the daunting challenge it poses: extensive water hazards, strategically placed bunkers, and the ever‑present wind that can turn a routine shot into a test of precision.
The track has hosted numerous high‑profile events, including the former WGC‑Cadillac Championship (2007‑2016) and several LIV Golf tournaments, most recently the 2025 LIV Golf Miami where Marc Leishman edged out 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel. The PGA Tour introduced the Cadillac Championship as part of an expansion to eight signature events, designed to ensure that the sport’s top talent meets more frequently throughout the season. Eligibility is generous: the top‑50 players from the previous year’s FedExCup standings receive automatic invites, as do all winners on the 2026 PGA Tour.
Additional spots are allocated through the AON Next 10 and AON Swing 5 rankings, which reward the highest‑ranked players not already exempt, and the top‑30 in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR). In total, 72 of the world’s best golfers will tee off at Doral, all guaranteed to play the full four rounds because the event does not feature a cut. The prize structure is equally inclusive. While the champion will pocket $3.6 million (approximately £2.67 million), the runner‑up will earn $2.18 million, and even the last‑placed finisher will leave with a $40,200 cheque.
Beyond the monetary rewards, the tournament offers a substantial FedExCup points haul—700 points for the winner—making it a pivotal stop for players eyeing a spot in the season‑ending playoffs. Rory McIlroy’s absence is notable. The six‑time major champion, fresh from his second Masters victory in April, decided to skip the Doral event to rest and recover after a grueling schedule.
Earlier in the week, McIlroy attended a White House state dinner hosted by Trump, where the former president interrupted a speech to laud the Northern Irish star. Despite the fanfare, McIlroy chose not to compete, opting instead for a short break before the next phase of his season. The field remains stacked with big names.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will look to rebound after a narrow loss to Matt Fitzpatrick in a playoff at the RBC Heritage two weeks earlier. Fitzpatrick, now ranked No. 3, is also sitting out, having secured back‑to‑back PGA Tour victories—the Zurich Classic of New Orleans (a team event he won with his brother Alex) and another win that made him the first player since Scheffler in 2024 to claim consecutive titles.
Alex Fitzpatrick, fresh off a tour card for the next two seasons, will make his PGA Tour debut at Doral, hoping to build on his recent form. "I just want to hit the fairway on the first tee and take it from there," Alex said, describing his mindset heading into the signature event. "My game feels solid; I've been playing well the past few months, so I hope I can keep the momentum and see where it takes me this week. No expectations, just trying to enjoy the experience." Another notable return is English veteran Justin Rose, who will be back on the PGA Tour after The Masters.
Rose recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with McLaren Golf, becoming the first golfer to sign with the Formula 1 team’s automotive subsidiary. He will debut a new set of clubs engineered by McLaren’s high‑performance division, adding a technological storyline to the tournament. Sky Sports will broadcast all four rounds live, with the opening two rounds airing on Thursday and Friday at 4 p.m.
on Sky Sports Golf, followed by full‑round coverage on Sky Sports Main Event at 11 p.m. The final two rounds will be shown on Saturday and Sunday, also beginning at 4 p.m. on Sky Sports Golf. Viewers can also stream the coverage without a contract, ensuring broad accessibility.
In summary, the inaugural Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral offers a blend of high‑stakes competition, historic venue, and a field packed with both established stars and rising talent. While McIlroy’s decision to sit out adds a layer of intrigue, the tournament’s generous purse, FedExCup points, and the challenging Blue Monster course promise an exciting showcase of world‑class golf.
Fans can follow every swing, putt, and dramatic moment across all four days, either on television or via streaming platforms, to see who ultimately conquers the Blue Monster and lifts the Cadillac Championship trophy.