The Cadillac Championship, the PGA Tour's newest signature tournament, is set to debut at Trump National Doral in Miami, and it has already generated a swirl of questions: What exactly is this event? Why has Rory McIlroy chosen to sit out? Which players might seize the spotlight on the famed Blue Monster? Below is a comprehensive overview that brings you up to speed on the tournament, its venue, the field, and the storylines that could shape the week.
### The Cadillac Championship Explained The Cadillac Championship is not a re‑branding of the former WGC‑Cadillac Championship that ran at Doral from 2007 to 2016. Instead, it is a brand‑new signature event created as part of the PGA Tour’s effort to concentrate more of the world’s elite golfers into a handful of high‑profile tournaments throughout the season.
In 2026 the Tour expanded its calendar to include eight such signature stops, each offering larger purses, more FedExCup points, and a no‑cut format that guarantees every invited player a chance to compete through the weekend. ### Why the Event Matters Signature events are designed to bring together the top‑ranked players more consistently, giving fans a chance to watch the best compete head‑to‑head on a regular basis. The Cadillac Championship carries a $20 million prize fund, with the champion slated to earn roughly $3.6 million and 700 FedExCup points. Even the player who finishes last will still walk away with a $40,200 cheque, underscoring the event’s lucrative nature for all participants.
### Trump National Doral – The Setting Donald Trump bought the Doral Resort in 2012 for about $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 considered one of the toughest tests in American golf. The course earned its nickname from the combination of its sheer length, deep water hazards, and strategically placed bunkers that guard both fairways and greens. The name also reflects the original “Blue” designation of the tees; players historically tee off from the blue markers, and the course’s imposing reputation cemented the moniker.
Adam Scott, who won the last PGA Tour event at Doral in 2016, summed it up succinctly: "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 venue has also hosted 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. ### Who Is Playing?
Seventy‑two of the world’s top golfers have earned invitations to the inaugural Cadillac Championship. The field is assembled through several pathways: * The top‑50 players from the previous year’s FedExCup points list automatically qualify. * Any golfer who secured a PGA Tour win in 2026 receives an exemption.
* The AON Next 10 and AON Swing 5 rankings each add the highest‑ranked players who are not otherwise exempt, ensuring that rising stars and consistent performers get a chance. * The top‑30 in the Official World Golf Rankings also receive invitations. Because the tournament is a no‑cut event, every entrant will play all four rounds, and even the player who finishes at the bottom of the leaderboard will still collect prize money.
### Rory McIlroy’s Absence Rory McIlroy, the Northern Irish six‑time major champion who captured his second Masters title in April, has announced he will skip the Cadillac Championship. After his Masters triumph, McIlroy decided to take a brief hiatus, opting for rest rather than immediate competition. His 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 champion. While McIlroy’s presence would have added star power, his schedule reflects a growing trend among top players to manage workload and prioritize key events.
### Other Headliners and Storylines * **World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler** – Scheffler is eager to rebound after a heartbreaking loss to Matt Fitzpatrick in a playoff at the RBC Heritage two weeks earlier. A victory at Doral could re‑establish his dominance.
* **Matt Fitzpatrick** – The new world No. 3 will sit out the event after a back‑to‑back PGA Tour win streak, the first such feat since Scheffler’s 2024 run.
His recent successes include a win at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans alongside his brother Alex. * **Alex Fitzpatrick** – Making his PGA Tour debut as a member, Alex will play his first full‑field event at Doral. He expressed modest expectations, focusing on hitting fairways and staying calm amid the whirlwind of a signature tournament. * **Justin Rose** – The English veteran returns to the Tour after The Masters and will debut new clubs from McLaren Golf, a partnership that makes him the first golfer to sign with the Formula 1‑linked brand.
### Prize Money and FedExCup Implications The $20 million purse is broken down as follows: the champion receives $3.6 million, second place $2.18 million, and the last‑place finisher $40,200. In addition to the cash, the event awards a substantial haul of FedExCup points—700 for the winner—making it a pivotal stop for players chasing the season‑long points race.
### Broadcast Details Sky Sports will provide live coverage of all four rounds. 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 final two rounds will air on Saturday and Sunday, also beginning at 4 pm on Sky Sports Golf.
Viewers can also stream the action without a contract through Sky’s streaming platform. ### What to Watch For With a field stacked with world‑class talent, the Cadillac Championship promises dramatic swings, strategic shot‑making on the Blue Monster’s water‑laden holes, and the potential for a breakout performance from a newcomer like Alex Fitzpatrick. Even without McIlroy, the tournament offers a compelling narrative: a fresh signature event, a storied venue, and a massive purse that could reshape the early season leaderboard.
Fans should tune in to see who can tame the Blue Monster and claim the inaugural Cadillac Championship title.