The Cadillac Championship is the PGA Tour's latest flagship tournament, staged for the first time at Donald Trump’s Trump National Doral in Miami. While the event has quickly become a marquee stop on the schedule, several high‑profile players have opted out, most notably Rory McIlroy, who is taking a brief hiatus after his recent Masters triumph. This article explains what the Cadillac Championship is, why McIlroy is sitting out, and which golfers could make a splash at the famed Doral venue.
### The Cadillac Championship Explained The Cadillac Championship is a brand‑new signature event introduced by the PGA Tour as part of an effort to bring more of the world’s elite players together more often throughout the season. The Tour’s leadership in Ponte Vedra Beach decided to expand the roster of signature tournaments to eight, and the Cadillac Championship was created to fill that slot.
It should not be confused with the former WGC‑Cadillac Championship, which was also held at Doral from 2007 to 2016 but operated under a different format and sponsorship. The tournament is a no‑cut event, meaning all 72 invited competitors will play the full four rounds regardless of their scores. Even the player who finishes at the bottom of the leaderboard on Sunday will still receive a payout, underscoring the event’s inclusive, high‑stakes nature.
The field is assembled through a blend of automatic qualifications and discretionary invitations: * The top 50 players from the previous year’s FedExCup points list receive automatic entries. * Any golfer who won a PGA Tour event in 2026 also earns an exemption. * Additional spots are allocated via the AON Next 10 and AON Swing 5 rankings, which reward the highest‑ranked players on the FedExCup board who are not already exempt.
* The top five FedExCup point earners who lack other exemptions are also invited. * Finally, the 30 highest‑ranked players in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) gain entry. All told, 72 of the world’s best golfers have been invited to compete this week, creating a deep and competitive field. ### Trump National Doral and the Blue Monster Trump National Doral, purchased by the former U.S.
president in 2012 for roughly $150 million, comprises four courses, each named after a colour. The centerpiece is the Blue Monster, a 7,500‑yard, par‑72 layout that has earned a reputation as one of the most demanding courses in the United States.
Its moniker reflects both its original "Blue" designation—players historically tee off from the blue tees—and its reputation for punishing play. The course features extensive water hazards, strategically placed bunkers on fairways and around greens, and a wind‑swept environment that can dramatically alter shot selection. Former PGA Tour champion Adam Scott, who won the last PGA Tour event at Doral in 2016, summed up the challenge: "It’s called the Blue Monster for a reason. It’s a big golf course, very penal.
The wind can blow, and that’s the biggest challenge out here. So you’ve got to strike it well, just demanding tee‑to‑green.
It’s great that we’re back." The Blue Monster has also hosted several LIV Golf tournaments, most recently the 2025 LIV Golf Miami event, where Marc Leishman edged out 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel by a single stroke. ### Why Rory McIlroy Is Skipping the Event Rory McIlroy, the six‑time major champion from Northern Ireland, announced that he will not be traveling to Miami for the Cadillac Championship. The decision comes after McIlroy secured his second Masters title in April and subsequently took a short break to recharge.
He was also a guest at a White House state dinner earlier in the week, where President Trump interrupted a speech to commend the champion. While McIlroy’s absence is notable, it reflects his desire to manage his schedule carefully following a demanding major‑win season.
### Notable Players Who Will Be Competing Even without McIlroy, the field is stacked with talent: * **World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler** – Seeking redemption after a playoff loss to Matt Fitzpatrick at the RBC Heritage, Scheffler will aim to capture his first Cadillac Championship victory.
* **Matt Fitzpatrick** – Although he is not playing this week, his recent back‑to‑back PGA Tour wins (including the Zurich Classic of New Orleans alongside his brother Alex) have elevated him to world No. 3.
His absence opens a window for other contenders. * **Alex Fitzpatrick** – Making his debut as a full PGA Tour member, Alex will be playing his first signature‑event round. He expressed a relaxed mindset, hoping to hit fairways off the tee and let his recent form carry him forward.
* **Justin Rose** – The English veteran is returning to the Tour after The Masters and will debut a new set of clubs from McLaren Golf, the first golfer to sign with the Formula 1‑linked brand. These players, along with other top‑ranked competitors, will vie for a $20 million prize pool. The champion is slated to earn $3.6 million (approximately £2.67 million) and 700 FedExCup points, while the runner‑up will collect $2.18 million.
Even the last‑place finisher will leave with a respectable $40,200 check. ### Broadcast Details and Viewing Options Sky Sports will provide live coverage of all four rounds. The first two rounds will be streamed on Thursday and Friday at 4 p.m.
on Sky Sports Golf, with full‑round coverage moving to 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 tournament without a contract through Sky Sports' online platform. ### What to Watch For With a deep field, a demanding course, and a sizable purse, the Cadillac Championship promises high drama.
Fans will be watching to see which player can tame the Blue Monster, claim the top spot, and secure a hefty boost in the FedExCup race. While McIlroy’s decision to sit out may be a talking point, the tournament remains a showcase of the sport’s elite talent and a pivotal moment in the 2026 PGA Tour calendar.