Full Breakdown
Cadillac Championship Returns to Trump National Doral Amid Political and Weather Turbulence
5/3/2026, 9:28:12 PM
Return of the Cadillac Championship
The PGA Tour’s 2026 Cadillac Championship was held May 3 – 5 at the Blue Monster course of Trump National Doral in Miami, marking the Tour’s first event at a Trump-owned venue since the 2016 WGC-Cadillac Championship. The tournament featured a 72-player, no-cut format and a $20 million total purse, with the winner slated to receive $3.6 million. Cameron Young entered the final round with a six-stroke lead at 15 under, while World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Si Woo Kim and Kristoffer Reitan were tied for second at nine under.
Background and Political Context
The PGA Tour withdrew from Doral in 2016 after Cadillac’s title-sponsor contract expired and the Tour cited President Donald Trump’s “comments … inconsistent with our strong commitment to an inclusive and welcoming environment in the game of golf.” The move coincided with the tournament’s relocation to Mexico City, a decision Trump publicly criticized. The course subsequently hosted Saudi-backed LIV Golf events from 2022 to 2025, during which Trump participated in pro-ams. The 2026 return reflects the Tour’s assessment that the venue can again host a successful signature event despite the prior political dispute.
Key Figures and Stakeholders
- President Donald Trump – Owner of the host club; scheduled to appear during the final round and attend the trophy ceremony.
- Cameron Young – Palm Beach Gardens native; leading the field and seeking his second win of the season.
- Scottie Scheffler – World No. 1; positioned to challenge Young.
- PGA Tour – Organizer, responsible for schedule adjustments and broadcast arrangements.
- LIV Golf – Former user of the venue; its Saudi Public Investment Fund withdrew funding after the 2026 season, leaving the course available to the PGA Tour.
Prize Money and Payout Structure
The $20 million purse distributes seven-figure checks to the top finishers. The winner’s share is $3,600,000; second place receives $2,180,000; third $1,380,000; and the top ten each earn at least $545,000. Positions 11 through 72 receive descending amounts down to $40,200 for 72nd place.
Course Challenges and Player Feedback
The 7,739-yard Blue Monster is noted for its long holes, water hazards, and a notoriously difficult 486-yard par-4 18th. Players described the finishing hole as “hard, players have said” and “a hole that will play way over par.” Jhonattan Vegas warned that “you can make a massive number on that hole,” while Brian Harman called the course “very difficult” because “if you’re out of position there’s not a lot of spots that are very easy to get up-and-down from.”
Weather Delays and Schedule Adjustments
A “dangerous weather situation” forced the final round’s start to be delayed two hours, moving the tee-time from an original 7:30 a.m. ET to 9:30 a.m. ET. PGA Tour communications announced the revised schedule and split-tee threesomes. Subsequent updates shifted the start again to 9:42 a.m. ET for the leading groups.
Criticism and Opposition
Some players emphasized the course’s straightforward layout, describing it as “right in front of you” and “not super tricky,” suggesting a reduced strategic element. Observers noted low attendance in the grandstand and raised concerns about the political optics of a presidential presence at a commercial sporting event.
Verbatim Quotes
- “it’s not super tricky,” — Jordan Spieth, professional golfer
- “You can make a massive number on that hole.” — Jhonattan Vegas, professional golfer
- “It’s very difficult because if you’re out of position there’s really not a lot of spots that are very easy to get up-and-down from.” — Brian Harman, 2023 Open champion
- “Cameron Young called a penalty on himself on the par-4 second hole for causing his golf ball to move in the fairway.” — Cameron Young, PGA Tour player
- “That's not the right ball ? A nightmare at No.” — Adam Scott, former Doral champion
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact final-round start time: early reports listed 7:30 a.m. ET, later updates cited 9:30 a.m. ET, and the PGA Tour’s live feed recorded groups teeing off at 9:42 a.m. ET. No source provides a definitive post-round summary of the winner, leaving the final outcome unconfirmed in the available material.
What’s Next
The PGA Tour’s schedule lists the next signature event as the Truist Championship. The Tour will also monitor the political and sponsorship landscape surrounding Trump-owned venues as it plans future tournaments.
