The Cadillac Championship has quickly become the PGA Tour's newest marquee tournament, and it will debut this week at the Trump National Doral resort in Miami. The event, which is distinct from the former WGC‑Cadillac Championship that was also staged at Doral between 2007 and 2016, is part of the Tour's broader strategy to concentrate more of the sport's elite players into a handful of high‑profile, no‑cut competitions throughout the season. By expanding the schedule to feature eight "signature" events, the PGA Tour hopes to create more frequent showdowns among the world’s best golfers and to generate greater fan interest and commercial appeal. Trump National Doral, purchased by former President Donald Trump in 2012 for roughly $150 million (£111 million), comprises four courses, the most famous of which is the Blue Monster.
This 7,500‑yard, par‑72 layout is renowned for its demanding length, deep water hazards, and strategically placed bunkers that guard both landing zones on the fairway and the greens. The name "Blue Monster" originally derived from the course's blue tees and its striking blue‑green fairways, but it also alludes to the way the course can dominate even the most skilled players. Former PGA Tour champion Adam Scott summed it up after a 2016 victory at Doral, saying, "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 from tee to green. It's great that we're back." The inaugural Cadillac Championship will feature 72 of the sport's top competitors, all invited without a cut, meaning every player will continue to the weekend rounds regardless of performance. The field is assembled through a series of eligibility criteria designed to capture the season's most successful and highest‑ranked golfers.
All players who finished in the top‑50 of the previous year's FedExCup points list automatically receive an invitation, as do any who claim a PGA Tour win in the 2026 season. Additional spots are allocated through the AON Next 10 and AON Swing 5 rankings, which reward the highest‑placed FedExCup players not already exempt, as well as the top‑30 in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR).
Even the player who finishes last on Sunday will earn a modest paycheck, underscoring the tournament's inclusive, no‑cut format. Despite the star‑studded roster, Northern Irish star Rory McIlroy has chosen to sit out the event. McIlroy, fresh from capturing his second Masters title earlier in April, announced he would take a brief hiatus after the historic win.
His decision comes after a recent appearance at the White House state dinner, where President Trump interrupted a speech to lavish praise on the six‑time major champion. McIlroy’s absence opens a space for other leading figures to vie for the title. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will be looking to rebound after a narrow loss to Matt Fitzpatrick in a playoff at the RBC Heritage two weeks earlier.
Fitzpatrick, now ranked No. 3 globally, is also missing the Doral field, having opted for a rest following back‑to‑back PGA Tour victories—a feat not achieved since Scheffler did it 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.
The victory secured Alex a two‑year PGA Tour card and entry into the remaining 2026 signature events, meaning he will make his first start as a full Tour member at the Cadillac Championship. Alex expressed modest expectations but confidence in his recent form, saying, "Just hopefully on the first tee I'll hit the fairway, and then I'll go from there. I feel like my game is in good shape. I played really nicely last week and over the past couple of months my game’s improved a lot." Another notable returnee is England’s Justin Rose, who will be back on the PGA Tour after a brief hiatus following his Masters appearance.
Rose has also made headlines by becoming the first golfer to sign a partnership deal with McLaren Golf, the performance‑driven brand linked to the Formula 1 team. He will debut a brand‑new set of clubs crafted by McLaren’s engineering arm during the Miami tournament, adding a technological subplot to the competition. Financially, the Cadillac Championship offers a $20 million (£14.8 million) prize purse, with the champion slated to collect $3.6 million (£2.67 million).
The runner‑up will earn $2.18 million (£1.56 million), while the player who finishes in last place will still walk away with $40,200 (£29,808). In addition to the monetary rewards, FedExCup points are on the line, with the winner receiving 700 points—a substantial boost toward the season‑ending playoffs. 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 p.m. on Sky Sports Golf, with full‑round coverage moving to Sky Sports Main Event at 11 p.m.
The final two rounds will be broadcast on Saturday and Sunday, also beginning at 4 p.m. on Sky Sports Golf.
Viewers can also stream the action without a contract, ensuring broad accessibility for fans worldwide. In summary, the Cadillac Championship at Trump Doral promises a compelling mix of elite talent, a challenging course, and a lucrative prize structure. While McIlroy’s decision to skip the event adds a note of intrigue, the remaining field—featuring the likes of Scheffler, the Fitzpatrick brothers, Rose, and a host of other top‑ranked players—will battle the Blue Monster’s demanding layout for a coveted spot in PGA Tour history. Whether you are a casual observer or a dedicated golf enthusiast, the tournament offers a showcase of skill, strategy, and the ever‑evolving narrative of modern professional golf.