The Cadillac Championship is the PGA Tour's newest signature tournament, staged for the first time at Donald Trump’s Trump National Doral in Miami. While the event promises a star‑studded field and a $20 million prize fund, Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy has chosen to sit out, taking a brief hiatus after his second Masters triumph earlier this month. Trump’s Doral Resort, bought in 2012 for roughly $150 million, includes four courses, the most famous of which is the Blue Monster.
This par‑72 layout stretches about 7,500 yards and is renowned for its deep water hazards, strategic bunkering and the ever‑present challenge of wind off the nearby Atlantic. The course earned its nickname both from the blue‑colored tees originally used and from its reputation as a true "monster" that can test even the world’s elite golfers. Former champion Adam Scott summed it up perfectly when he said, "It's called the Blue Monster for a reason. It's a big, penal course where the wind can bite, so you have to hit it well from tee to green." The Cadillac Championship is not a revival of the former WGC‑Cadillac Championship, which also took place at Doral between 2007 and 2016.
Instead, it is part of the PGA Tour’s broader strategy to create eight signature events that bring the sport’s top talent together more frequently throughout the season. By expanding the schedule, the Tour hopes to generate more high‑profile match‑ups and increase fan engagement.
Eligibility for the inaugural event is generous. All 72 players in the world’s top rankings receive invitations, and the tournament will be a no‑cut format, meaning every competitor plays all four days.
The top‑50 from the previous year’s FedExCup points list are automatically entered, as are any player who has secured a PGA Tour win in 2026. Additional spots are allocated through the AON Next 10 and AON Swing 5 rankings, as well as the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) top‑30. This structure ensures a deep field that includes both seasoned major winners and rising stars. Among the notable entrants is world number 1 Scottie Scheffler, who is looking to rebound after a heartbreaking loss to Matt Fitzpatrick in a playoff at the RBC Heritage.
Fitzpatrick, who currently sits at world number 3, will miss the Doral event as he takes a well‑deserved break after back‑to‑back victories on the Tour—a feat not achieved since Scheffler’s double win in 2024. Fitzpatrick’s recent triumph at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, a team event he won alongside his brother Alex, underscores his current form. Alex Fitzpatrick, now a full PGA Tour member, will make his debut at a signature event in Miami, hoping to translate his recent success into a solid start on the main circuit. Another storyline revolves around Justin Rose, who is set to return to the Tour after a brief hiatus following his appearance 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 full set of McLaren‑manufactured clubs at the Cadillac Championship, adding a technological twist to the competition. The financial stakes are high. The winner will pocket $3.6 million (approximately £2.67 million), while second place receives $2.18 million.
Even the player who finishes last will leave with a respectable $40,200. In addition to the cash, FedExCup points are on the line, with the champion earning 700 points that could prove pivotal in the season‑long race. Broadcast coverage will be provided by Sky Sports, which will air all four rounds live. The opening two rounds will be shown on Thursday and Friday at 4 pm on Sky Sports Golf, with full‑round coverage moving to Sky Sports Main Event at 11 pm.
The weekend rounds will continue on Sky Sports Golf from 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday, ensuring fans can follow every swing. McIlroy’s decision to skip the event has sparked speculation. After clinching his second green jacket at the Masters, the six‑time major champion opted to spend some downtime, even attending a White House state dinner where President Trump praised his achievements. While his absence creates a gap in the field, it also opens opportunities for other contenders to make a statement on the demanding Blue Monster.
In summary, the Cadillac Championship marks a significant addition to the PGA Tour calendar, combining a prestigious venue, a lucrative purse, and a field packed with the sport’s biggest names. Whether it will become a marquee event that rivals the majors remains to be seen, but the combination of high stakes, world‑class talent, and the dramatic backdrop of Trump’s Doral promises compelling golf drama for fans worldwide.