Full Breakdown
Cadillac Championship Returns to Doral: First PGA Tour Signature Event at the Blue Monster in a Decade
5/1/2026, 6:43:38 PM
Event Overview
The 2026 Cadillac Championship is a 72-player, no-cut signature event at Trump National Doral’s Blue Monster (par 72, 7,739 yd) from Thursday, April 30 to Sunday, May 3. The $20 million purse awards $3.6 million to the winner.
Background
Doral hosted PGA Tour events from 1962-2016, including the WGC-Cadillac Championship. The Tour left after 2016 amid tension with Donald Trump. The 2026 tournament is the first PGA event at Doral in ten years and launches the Cadillac Championship as one of eight signature events.
Key Players
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler (favorite, +290 odds) returns after runner-up finishes at the Masters and RBC Heritage. Other contenders include Cameron Young (+1200), Collin Morikawa (+2000) and Russell Henley (+2700). Notable absentees are Rory McIlroy (No. 2), Matt Fitzpatrick (No. 3), Xander Schauffele, Ludvig Åberg, Robert MacIntyre and Patrick Cantlay.
Statistics
Field: 72 players invited via FedExCup rankings, recent wins and AON Next 10/5 criteria. Purse: $20 million; winner $3.6 million; last place $40,200. Course: 14 water-hazard holes, >100 bunkers, Bermuda greens. Russell Henley is second in driving accuracy; Cameron Young ranks top-5 in driving distance.
Significance
The event restores Doral as a premier PGA venue with a no-cut format that ensures all invitees compete. The $20 million purse and 700 FedExCup points affect the playoff race, and the timing between the Masters and PGA Championship forces several top players to sit out.
Official Statements & Criticism
Scheffler said the Blue Monster is “very, very difficult” with many bunkers and water, noting limited preparation time. Adam Scott praised the course’s challenge and urged a more balanced schedule, calling the Cadillac Championship an “added event” that strains the calendar.
Conflicting Reports
Most sources list the tournament dates as April 30–May 3, but one source mentions an April 29 start. Tee-time listings differ between 8:30 a.m. and 8:40 a.m. for the opening group.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s just very, very difficult. It’s a flat piece of land. There’s just a lot of bunkers, a lot of water and the golf holes are long. So, with that combination, it’s going to be tough.” — Scottie Scheffler, World No. 1
- “If I had it my way I would play every single week out here,” — Scottie Scheffler
- “Obviously winning the last time we were here, but I’ve always enjoyed playing this golf course. It’s a 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 and looking forward to this week.” — Adam Scott, 2012 WGC-Cadillac champion
- “This is an added event. Ideally this wouldn’t be the way. … I think we’ve got to get through this year and hopefully the schedule looks a little more balanced next year.” — Adam Scott
What’s Next
The Cadillac Championship ends May 3. The PGA Tour’s next signature event, the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow, begins the following week, leading into the PGA Championship at Aronimink in mid-May.
