Full Breakdown
Cadillac Championship Returns to Doral: A Deep-Dive Preview
4/30/2026, 6:53:44 AM
Core Event Overview
The 2026 Cadillac Championship begins Thursday, April 30, at the Blue Monster course of Trump National Doral in Miami. The 72-player, no-cut event runs through Sunday, May 3, on a par-72, 7,739-yard layout. The purse is $20 million, with $3.6 million for the winner and 700 FedEx Cup points.
Timeline
- Thursday, April 30: First round begins.
- Friday, May 1: Second round.
- Saturday, May 2: Third round.
- Sunday, May 3: Final round and champion crowned.
Background & Context
This marks the PGA Tour’s first event at Doral since 2016, reviving a venue that hosted the Doral Open (1962-2006) and the WGC-Cadillac Championship (2007-2016). It sits between the Masters and the PGA Championship on the schedule.
Why It Matters
The event restores a historic venue to the PGA Tour, offers a $20 million purse, and provides 700 FedEx Cup points, influencing the race to the PGA Championship and the season-ending FedEx Cup playoffs.
Key Contenders
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is the favorite, listed at +290–+325 across sportsbooks. Cameron Young, second in strokes-gained tee-to-green, is priced at +1200–+1275. Other odds include Collin Morikawa (+2000), Russell Henley (+2600) and Sam Burns (+3100). Notable absentees are Rory McIlroy, Matt Fitzpatrick, Xander Schauffele, Ludvig Åberg, Robert MacIntyre and Patrick Cantlay.
Data & Statistics
Course: 7,739 yd, par 72, water on 14 holes. Driving-accuracy leader: Russell Henley (2nd tour-wide). Strokes-gained tee-to-green leader: Cameron Young (+1.705). Strokes-gained approach leader: Collin Morikawa (+1.169). Winner’s share $3.6 million; total purse $20 million.
Official Statements & Responses
The PGA Tour described the Cadillac Championship as a signature event with a 72-player, no-cut field and a $20 million purse. Organizers called Doral a “major-level test.” Broadcast partners include Golf Channel, CBS, Paramount+ and PGA Tour Live.
Criticism & Opposition
Fox News analyst Cody Williams said Scheffler’s odds are “overvalued” for Doral, noting, “I’m not doing that this week… not here.” SportsLine analysts highlighted Sam Burns and Russell Henley as higher-value alternatives based on recent strokes-gained data.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Scheffler’s odds appear as +290, +300, +315 or +325 across sources; Young’s range is +1200–+1275. Some outlets list Matt Fitzpatrick as absent, others note a week off without confirming entry. No player comments on Doral preparation were found.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Favorite play at the Cadillac Championship Cameron Young | Katie Goodale-Imagn Images Cameron Young Top 5 incl ties +225 There's always an outright pick that I want to get more exposure to in a given week, and Cameron Young is the most obvious candidate for that at Doral.” — Katie Goodale, SI Golf writer
What’s Next
The tournament concludes on May 3. The PGA Tour’s next signature event, the Truist Championship, follows the week, and the PGA Championship arrives two weeks later, where FedEx Cup points and major form will be critical.
