The Cadillac Championship is the PGA Tour's latest marquee 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 purse, Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy has decided to sit out, choosing rest after his second Masters triumph earlier this month. Below is a comprehensive look at the tournament, its venue, the qualification criteria, the players to watch and why McIlroy’s absence matters. ### What is the Cadillac Championship?
The Cadillac Championship is a brand‑new signature event introduced by the PGA Tour as part of an expanded schedule that now includes eight such tournaments. Unlike regular events, signature tournaments are designed to bring the world’s elite golfers together more frequently throughout the season, offering larger prize money and more FedExCup points. The Cadillac Championship should not be confused with the former WGC‑Cadillac Championship, which also took place at Doral between 2007 and 2016 but was a World Golf Championships event. This new iteration is a distinct, PGA‑run competition that debuted in April 2026.
### The venue: Trump National Doral and the Blue Monster Donald Trump bought the Doral Resort in 2012 for roughly $150 million (£111 million). The purchase included four courses, the most famous of which is the "Blue Monster" – a 7,500‑yard, par‑72 layout that has long been regarded as one of the toughest tests in American golf. The course earned its nickname from the deep blue tees that originally marked the playing line, as well as the way it can "monster" even the best players with its length, strategic bunkering, and extensive water hazards.
The wind off the nearby Atlantic can also add an unpredictable element, demanding precise shot‑making from tee to green. The Blue Monster has hosted numerous high‑profile events, from PGA Tour stops to LIV Golf tournaments. In 2025, LIV Golf Miami saw Marc Leishman edge out 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel by a single stroke. Former PGA Tour champion Adam Scott, who won the last PGA Tour event at Doral in 2016, summed up the course’s reputation: "It’s called the Blue Monster for a reason.
It’s a big, penal course. The wind can blow, and that’s the biggest challenge out here. You have to strike it well; it demands precision from tee to green. It’s great that we’re back." ### How players qualify The field for the inaugural Cadillac Championship consists of 72 of the world’s top golfers, and entry is granted through several pathways: 1.
**Top‑50 FedExCup points** from the previous season automatically receive an invitation. 2. **2026 PGA Tour winners** are granted exemptions, ensuring recent champions are represented.
3. **AON Next 10 and AON Swing 5 rankings** provide spots for the highest‑ranked players on the FedExCup list who are not already exempt. 4. The **top‑5 FedExCup point earners** not otherwise qualified also gain entry.
5. Finally, any player ranked inside the **top‑30 of the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR)** receives a spot. Because the tournament is a no‑cut event, every participant will play all four rounds, and even the player who finishes last will earn a paycheck – a $40,200 (£29,808) cheque – along with valuable FedExCup points (the winner will collect 700 points).
This structure encourages aggressive play and ensures fans see all the big names throughout the weekend. ### Rory McIlroy’s decision to skip McIlroy, fresh from winning his second Masters title in April, announced he would sit out the Cadillac Championship to recharge after a grueling schedule. The decision came shortly after he attended a White House state dinner hosted by President Trump, during which Trump interrupted a speech to lavish praise on the six‑time major champion. While McIlroy’s presence would have added another marquee name, his choice reflects a growing trend among top players to manage their workloads and prioritize rest, especially after major victories.
### Players to watch Even without McIlroy, the roster is stacked: - **World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler** will look to rebound after a heartbreaking loss to Matt Fitzpatrick in a playoff at the RBC Heritage.
A win at Doral would reinforce his dominance and add another FedExCup boost. - **Matt Fitzpatrick**, now world No. 3, is taking a brief hiatus after back‑to‑back PGA Tour victories – a feat not achieved since Scheffler in 2024. He claimed the Zurich Classic of New Orleans alongside his brother Alex, who earned a two‑year Tour card and entry to the remaining 2026 signature events.
- **Alex Fitzpatrick** will make his first start as a full PGA Tour member at the Cadillac Championship. He expressed modest expectations, saying, "I just hope to hit the fairway on the first tee and let the rest unfold.
My game feels solid after a strong week last month, and I want to keep that momentum." - **Justin Rose** returns to the Tour after a brief break following the Masters. The Englishman has also become the first golfer to sign with McLaren Golf, debuting a new line of clubs engineered by the Formula 1 team's technology arm. Rose will be eager to showcase the new equipment on a demanding course.
### Prize money and broadcast details The tournament boasts a $20 million (£14.8 million) purse, with the champion slated to receive $3.6 million (£2.67 million). Second place will earn $2.18 million (£1.56 million), while even the last‑place finisher walks away with $40,200. All four rounds will be televised live on Sky Sports. Coverage begins on Thursday and Friday at 4 p.m.
on Sky Sports Golf, with full‑round broadcasts moving to Sky Sports Main Event at 11 p.m. The weekend rounds will air from 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. ### Why the Cadillac Championship matters The Cadillac Championship represents the PGA Tour’s strategic push to consolidate elite talent into a series of high‑profile events that attract global audiences and lucrative sponsorships.
By offering a substantial purse, generous FedExCup points, and a no‑cut format, the Tour hopes to keep the world’s best players competing week after week, enhancing the sport’s marketability. For fans, the event provides a rare opportunity to watch almost the entire top‑50 field together, creating a compelling narrative throughout the weekend. ### Final thoughts While Rory McIlroy’s absence may be a disappointment for some, the Cadillac Championship still promises an exciting showcase of golf at one of the sport’s most challenging venues.
With a deep field, a massive purse, and significant FedExCup implications, the tournament is set to become a staple of the PGA Tour calendar. Viewers can catch every swing, birdie, and dramatic moment live on Sky Sports, and the storylines – from Scheffler’s quest for redemption to the Fitzpatrick brothers’ debut and Rose’s new McLaren gear – will keep the golf world buzzing throughout the week.