The Cadillac Championship is the PGA Tour's newest marquee tournament, staged for the first time at Trump National Doral in Miami. It should not be confused with the former WGC‑Cadillac Championship, which also took place at Doral between 2007 and 2016, but was a separate event under the World Golf Championships umbrella.
This year’s edition marks the launch of a fresh "signature" stop on the schedule, designed to bring more of the sport's elite competitors together on a regular basis. The concept of a signature series was born at the Tour's headquarters in Ponte Vedra Beach, where officials decided to expand the calendar to eight high‑profile events that would carry larger purses, more FedExCup points and greater media exposure. The Cadillac Championship is the latest result of that strategy, offering a $20 million prize pool and a no‑cut format that guarantees every invited player a chance to finish the weekend. Trump National Doral, purchased by former President Donald Trump in 2012 for roughly $150 million, comprises four courses, each named after a colour.
The most famous of these 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. Its nickname derives not only from the deep blue‑colored tees that were traditionally used, but also from the course’s reputation for punishing mistakes. The track is littered with extensive water hazards, strategically placed bunkers that guard both landing zones and greens, and a prevailing wind that can turn a routine shot into a nightmare. Over the years the Blue Monster has hosted numerous high‑stakes events, including several LIV Golf tournaments; most recently, the 2025 LIV Golf Miami event saw Marc Leishman edge out 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel by a single stroke.
In 2016, Australian star Adam Scott captured the last PGA Tour title at Doral before the venue fell out of the Tour’s rotation. Reflecting on the course, Scott said, "It's called the Blue Monster for a reason.
It's a big, very penal layout. The wind can be a huge factor, so you have to hit it well from tee to green. It's great to be back." His comments capture the essence of what players can expect this week: a demanding, all‑skill test that rewards precision, strategic thinking and mental toughness. Seventy‑two of the world’s top golfers have been invited to compete in the inaugural Cadillac Championship.
Because the event is no‑cut, all participants will play all four rounds, and even the player who finishes last on Sunday will still receive a cheque – $40,200 (about £29,808). The field is assembled through several qualification pathways: the top 50 players from the previous year’s FedExCup points list receive automatic invitations; any player who secured a PGA Tour win in 2026 also gets an exemption.
Additional spots are allocated via the AON Next 10 and AON Swing 5 rankings, which reward the highest‑ranked FedExCup players who are not already exempt, as well as the top‑five FedExCup earners outside the exempt group. Finally, the top 30 players in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) are guaranteed a place. One notable absentee is Northern Irish star Rory McIlroy. The six‑time major champion, who captured his second Masters title in April, has chosen to sit out the event and take a short break after his recent triumph.
McIlroy was actually present earlier in the week at a White House state dinner hosted by President Trump, where the president interrupted a speech to laud the golfer’s achievements. His decision to skip the Cadillac Championship leaves a small vacancy, but the roster remains stacked with big names.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will be looking to rebound after a heartbreaking loss to Matt Fitzpatrick in a playoff at the RBC Heritage two weeks ago. Fitzpatrick, now ranked No.
3 globally, will not be in the Doral field, having elected to rest after back‑to‑back victories on the PGA Tour – a feat not accomplished since Scheffler’s double win in 2024. Fitzpatrick’s most recent triumph came at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, a team event he won alongside his brother Alex Fitzpatrick. Alex, who secured a Tour card for the next two seasons and earned entry to the remaining 2026 signature events, will make his PGA Tour debut at the Cadillac Championship. He said, "I just want to hit the fairway on the first tee and take it from there.
My game feels good after a strong finish last week, and I hope that form carries over this week." He added that he has no expectations and expects the week to be a whirlwind, hoping to settle down as the tournament progresses. Another high‑profile return is English veteran Justin Rose, who is set to re‑join the PGA Tour after a brief hiatus following his appearance at the Masters. Rose has also made headlines by becoming the first golfer to sign a partnership deal with McLaren Golf, a brand linked to the Formula 1 team. He will debut a new set of clubs built by McLaren’s automotive technology division, adding an extra storyline to the event.
The prize distribution is substantial: the champion will pocket $3.6 million (approximately £2.67 million), second place will receive $2.18 million (£1.56 million), and even the last‑place finisher will leave with $40,200. In addition to the money, FedExCup points are on the line, with the winner earning 700 points, a significant boost toward the season‑long race. Sky Sports will provide live coverage of all four rounds. The first two rounds will be broadcast on Thursday and Friday from 4 p.m.
on Sky Sports Golf, with a full‑round feed on Sky Sports Main Event at 11 p.m. The weekend rounds will air on Saturday and Sunday from 4 p.m.
on Sky Sports Golf. Viewers can also stream the coverage without a contract through Sky Sports' online platform. In summary, the Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral offers a fresh, high‑stakes arena for the world’s best golfers to showcase their talents.
While McIlroy’s absence is notable, the tournament still boasts a deep field, a massive purse, and the allure of competing on the legendary Blue Monster. Fans can tune in to watch the drama unfold and see who will claim the inaugural title in what promises to be a memorable week of golf.