The PGA Tour makes its highly anticipated return to Miami this week with the inaugural Cadillac Championship. This prestigious event features a select field of 72 elite golfers from the past two seasons, vying for a substantial $20 million prize pool.
Leading the charge is world number one Scottie Scheffler, alongside the reigning Tour Championship winner Tommy Fleetwood and the accomplished Adam Scott, who holds a past victory at this venue ten years prior. The competition also boasts a strong lineup of major champions, including Justin Thomas, Shane Lowry, and Justin Rose.
However, the tournament will see notable absences from some of the top-ranked players, including Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Robert MacIntyre, Ludvig Aberg, and Matt Fitzpatrick, all within the top 15 of the Official World Golf Rankings. This marks the 56th time the PGA Tour has competed at this location and the second consecutive Signature Event that McIlroy has opted out of, following the RBC Heritage. While many professionals are accustomed to playing three consecutive weeks, it appears these particular athletes are choosing to bypass this elevated event.
The decision to have the Cadillac Championship precede another significant event, the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow, which is then immediately followed by the PGA Championship at Aronimink, provides a strategic “bye week” for some. This scheduling allows players to manage their commitments leading up to major championships.
The history of professional golf at this Miami location is rich. The original Doral Hotel and Golf Club, which opened during the presidency of John F. Kennedy, hosted PGA Tour events for 45 consecutive years from 1962 to 2006. Following the introduction of the FedEx Cup, the Blue Monster Course continued to be a host for World Golf Championship events until 2016. Four years prior to that, the Trump Organization acquired the bankrupt facility for $150 million and subsequently renamed it Trump National Doral Miami, undertaking a $250 million renovation a decade ago.
Cadillac’s decision not to renew its title sponsorship of the WGC, coupled with controversial remarks made by Donald Trump regarding immigration, was seen as a point of divergence from the PGA Tour’s commitment to inclusivity. While then-Commissioner Tim Finchem cited funding issues as the primary reason for the event’s departure, the brand’s association with Donald Trump significantly influenced the search for a suitable sponsor at the time.
The return of the Tour to Miami was confirmed in 2025, even before Cadillac’s reappearance as title sponsor, indicating that time had indeed facilitated a reconciliation. The announcement has generated considerable excitement within the city.
“Golf has always been integral to our city’s narrative, and for many years, the Tour played a crucial role in putting Doral on the map,” stated Doral Mayor Christi Fraga. Dave Mack, Vice President and Executive Director, who transitioned from a 13-year career with the Miami Dolphins to spearhead this event, added, “It promises to be a vibrant week filled with incredible golf and an electric atmosphere, and we eagerly anticipate celebrating the Tour’s return to Miami alongside the community.” The tournament is also set to offer a variety of family-friendly and fan-centric experiences.
Broadcast Information for the Cadillac Championship:
The 2026 Cadillac Championship, scheduled from April 27th to May 3rd at Trump National Doral, will be broadcast on CBS and Golf Channel. Live streaming options will be available on Paramount+ and PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+. Coverage will include early-round play on Golf Channel, weekend action on CBS, and continuous live feeds on Paramount+.
