Full Breakdown
PGA Tour Returns to Trump National Doral for Inaugural 2026 Cadillac Championship
4/30/2026, 8:25:49 AM
The Event Returns to Doral
The PGA Tour’s new signature tournament, the Cadillac Championship, tees off at the Blue Monster course of Trump National Doral in Miami from April 29 – May 3, 2026 (some outlets list April 30 as the start). The 72-player field plays a no-cut format, guaranteeing each competitor at least $36,000. The event carries a $20 million purse with a $3.6 million winner’s check and 700 FedEx Cup points for the champion.
Background & Context
Doral hosted PGA Tour events from 1962 until 2016, most recently as the WGC-Cadillac Championship. After Donald Trump purchased the resort in 2012, the tournament left the schedule in 2017 amid sponsorship lapses and political controversy. The Tour later moved the event to Mexico City (2022-2023) before reinstating it at Doral as a signature event in 2026.
Field and Key Players
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler headlines the field, joined by former Doral winners Justin Rose (2012) and Adam Scott (2016). Other notable entrants include Cameron Young, Collin Morikawa, Tommy Fleetwood, and Russell Henley. Sponsor exemptions go to Joel Dahmen, Max Greyserman, Max Homa, and Keith Mitchell.
Marquee absences are World No. 2 Rory McIlroy, No. 3 Matt Fitzpatrick, Xander Schauffele (No. 9), Robert MacIntyre (No. 12) and Ludvig Aberg (No. 14), all citing the dense six-week stretch of three signature events and two majors.
Data & Statistics
- Course: 7,739 yd, par 72, Bermuda-grass greens.
- Purse distribution (top five): $3.6 M, $2.16 M, $1.36 M, $960 k, $800 k.
- FedEx Cup points: 700 to winner, points to all finishers.
- Historical scores: winning totals at Doral have been <= -10 in the last ten Tour events.
Official Statements & Responses
- Dave Mack, executive director, said the tournament was assembled in “about six months” and that Miami was “starved for professional golf.”
- Tim Finchem, former commissioner, reiterated that the 2016 move to Mexico was “sponsor-driven, not political.”
- Paul Vermeulen, senior VP of agronomy, described the course preparation as “science and experience,” noting the year-round viability of Bermuda grass in South Florida.
- Scottie Scheffler noted that the 18th hole “changes dramatically depending on wind direction,” underscoring the course’s volatility.
Criticism & Opposition
Players and analysts have flagged the compressed schedule as a “tough decision” for top golfers, with several opting out to preserve form for the upcoming PGA Championship. Political observers also recall the 2016 controversy when Trump’s ownership was blamed for the Tour’s departure, though officials maintain the current return is purely commercial.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Start date: The Palm Beach Post lists April 30-May 3, while the Miami Herald and Reuters cite April 29-May 3.
- Returning Doral veterans: Some sources count 10 past participants, others list 18 players who previously competed at Doral.
- Field size: All outlets agree on 72 players, but the exact composition of world-ranking qualifiers versus sponsor exemptions varies across reports.
Verbatim Quotes
> “The atmosphere is buzzing. Everyone is so passionate, so organized, so excited,” — Kelly Calhoun, golf fan (WSVN)
> “I think there’s a couple added tee boxes, but it’s pretty much how I remember it,” — Scottie Scheffler (SI)
> “It is a sad day for Miami, the United States and the game of golf, to have the PGA Tour consider moving the World Golf Championships, which has been hosted in Miami for the last 55 years, to Mexico.” — Donald Trump (SI)
> “I looked at this period coming up and I think something had to give, for sure,” — Justin Rose (Reuters)
> “The Cadillac Championship wasn't announced as an addition to the 2026 schedule until last August.” — Adam Scott (Reuters)
Why It Matters
The revival restores a historic venue to the Tour’s elite calendar, adds a $20 million prize pool, and injects significant tourism revenue into South Florida. It also tests the Tour’s new “signature-event” model, balancing high-purse incentives against player fatigue.
What’s Next
The Cadillac Championship is followed next week by the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow and then the PGA Championship. Players will reassess schedules as the Tour refines its elevated-event structure for 2027.
