PGA Tour Returns to Trump National Doral’s Blue Monster for 2026 Cadillac Championship
Miami’s legendary Blue Monster course at Trump National Doral is set to host the 2026 Cadillac Championship, marking the PGA Tour’s highly anticipated return to one of golf’s most iconic venues after a decade-long hiatus. As the fifth of eight Signature Events on this year’s PGA Tour schedule, the tournament promises a star-studded field, dramatic finishes, and a stern test of skill on a course renowned for its punishing layout and historic moments. With world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler leading the charge and past champions like Adam Scott returning to defend their legacy, the Cadillac Championship is poised to deliver high-stakes drama just weeks before the PGA Championship.
The Blue Monster: Golf’s Ultimate Test of Power and Precision
Designed by Dick Wilson in 1962, the Blue Monster at Trump National Doral has earned its fearsome reputation as one of the PGA Tour’s most demanding courses. Stretching over 7,500 yards, the par-72 layout is defined by its water hazards, fast Bermuda greens, and a closing stretch that has broken even the game’s greatest players. The course’s signature hole—the 473-yard par-4 18th—features water guarding the left side of the fairway and a green surrounded by bunkers, making it one of the most dramatic finishing holes in professional golf.
Adam Stanley, writing for the PGA Tour’s official preview, describes the Blue Monster as a course that “demands length off the tee, surgical precision with approach shots, and nerves of steel on the greens.” Its return to the Tour schedule after a 10-year absence has reignited excitement among players and fans alike, with many viewing it as a true litmus test for contenders ahead of the majors.
Key Features of the Blue Monster
- Water Hazards: 12 of the 18 holes feature water, including the treacherous 18th.
- Bermuda Greens: Known for their speed and undulation, requiring precise putting.
- Long Par-4s: Multiple holes exceed 450 yards, testing players’ power and accuracy.
- Historic Finishes: Past champions include legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.
2026 Cadillac Championship: Field, Storylines, and What to Watch
The 2026 Cadillac Championship will feature a 72-player field, including seven of the top 10 in the current FedExCup standings. The tournament marks the fifth of eight Signature Events on the PGA Tour calendar, offering elevated prize money and prestige. With the Masters already in the books and the PGA Championship looming in May, the Cadillac Championship serves as a critical proving ground for players looking to build momentum.
Headliners and Rising Stars
Leading the field is Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1 and reigning champion of The American Express earlier this year. Scheffler, who finished as runner-up at the RBC Heritage in a playoff, is in peak form and will be looking to add another Signature Event victory to his resume. His consistency—highlighted by three top-two finishes in his last four starts—makes him the favorite heading into Doral.
Other notable contenders include:
- Collin Morikawa: The two-time major champion is riding a streak of five consecutive top-10 finishes (excluding his withdrawal at THE PLAYERS) and will be eager to secure his first win of 2026.
- Cameron Young: With three top-three finishes in his last four starts, including a victory at THE PLAYERS, Young has emerged as one of the Tour’s most consistent performers. He currently ranks ninth in Strokes Gained: Total, a key metric for success on the Blue Monster.
- Chris Gotterup: The 2026 breakout star has already notched two wins this season and will be looking to make his mark on a historic course.
- Adam Scott: The 2016 champion at Doral returns to the Blue Monster via the Aon Next 10 exemption, bringing experience and a proven track record on the course.
A late addition to the field could be Brooks Koepka, currently the first alternate. If Koepka gains entry, it would trigger the Returning Member Program, allowing Keith Mitchell and Taylor Moore to join the competition as well. The final field will be confirmed following the conclusion of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans on Sunday.
Storylines to Watch
- The Scheffler Factor: Can the world No. 1 maintain his dominance and secure another Signature Event win?
- Doral’s Return: How will players adapt to the Blue Monster’s challenges after a decade away?
- Rising Contenders: Will a first-time winner emerge, or will a veteran like Scott or Morikawa reclaim the spotlight?
- Signature Event Pressure: With elevated status and prestige, the Cadillac Championship is a must-win for players aiming to solidify their standing in the FedExCup race.
A Legacy of Champions: The Cadillac Championship’s Storied Past
The Cadillac Championship (formerly known as the Doral Open) has been a staple of the PGA Tour since its inception in 1962. Over the decades, the tournament has produced some of golf’s most memorable moments, with champions including Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, and Tiger Woods. The event’s move to the Signature Event status in 2026 underscores its importance in the modern Tour landscape.
Trump National Doral has long been a cornerstone of professional golf, hosting not only the Cadillac Championship but also the WGC-Cadillac Championship until 2016. The resort’s Blue Monster course is synonymous with high-stakes competition, and its return to the Tour schedule has been met with enthusiasm from players and fans alike. As Trump Golf’s official site notes, the venue is defined by “legendary moments and world-class competition,” making it a fitting stage for the 2026 edition of the tournament.
Notable Past Champions
- 2016: Adam Scott
- 2015: Dustin Johnson
- 2013: Tiger Woods
- 2007: Tiger Woods
- 2005: Tiger Woods
- 1997: Nick Price
- 1989: Greg Norman
- 1974: Jack Nicklaus
How to Watch the 2026 Cadillac Championship
Fans can catch all the action from Trump National Doral via comprehensive coverage across multiple platforms:
- Television: Live coverage will be available on Golf Channel and NBC, with extended highlights and analysis throughout the tournament.
- Streaming: Peacock and NBCSports.com will offer live streaming options for cord-cutters.
- Live Scoring: Real-time leaderboards and scoring updates can be found on the PGA Tour’s official website and through the PGA Tour app.
For those attending in person, Trump National Doral offers a range of hospitality options, including premium seating, VIP experiences, and access to the Blue Monster’s 18th-hole grandstand, where some of the tournament’s most dramatic moments have unfolded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Blue Monster course so challenging?
The Blue Monster’s difficulty lies in its combination of length, water hazards, and fast greens. The course’s 12 water holes, including the infamous 18th, require precise shot-making, even as the Bermuda greens demand careful putting. Its closing stretch, featuring three of the toughest holes on the PGA Tour, often separates the contenders from the pretenders.
Why is the Cadillac Championship considered a Signature Event?
As one of eight Signature Events on the 2026 PGA Tour schedule, the Cadillac Championship offers elevated prize money, limited-field competition, and enhanced prestige. These events are designed to attract the Tour’s top players and provide a higher level of competition, making them must-watch tournaments for fans.
Who are the favorites to win the 2026 Cadillac Championship?
Based on current form and past performance, Scottie Scheffler is the clear favorite. Other top contenders include Collin Morikawa, Cameron Young, and Adam Scott, who has a proven track record at Doral. Dark-horse candidates like Chris Gotterup and Brooks Koepka (if he gains entry) could also make a strong showing.
How does the Returning Member Program work?
The Returning Member Program, introduced in January 2026, allows players who finish as alternates in one tournament to gain entry into subsequent events if a spot opens up. For example, if Brooks Koepka gains entry into the Cadillac Championship, it would trigger the program for Keith Mitchell and Taylor Moore, allowing them to compete as well.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Cadillac Championship marks the PGA Tour’s return to Trump National Doral’s Blue Monster after a 10-year hiatus.
- The tournament is the fifth of eight Signature Events on the 2026 PGA Tour schedule, offering elevated prize money and prestige.
- Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1, is the favorite to win, but contenders like Collin Morikawa, Cameron Young, and Adam Scott could challenge him.
- The Blue Monster is one of the PGA Tour’s most demanding courses, featuring water hazards, fast greens, and a legendary closing stretch.
- Coverage will be available on Golf Channel, NBC, Peacock, and the PGA Tour app, with live scoring updates throughout the tournament.
The Cadillac Championship: A Must-Watch Event
The 2026 Cadillac Championship promises to be one of the most exciting tournaments of the year, combining the historic legacy of Trump National Doral with the high-stakes drama of a Signature Event. With a star-studded field, a challenging course, and the pressure of the FedExCup race looming, the Blue Monster is set to deliver unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a die-hard golf fan or a casual viewer, this is one tournament you won’t want to miss.
As the Tour builds toward the PGA Championship in May, the Cadillac Championship offers a critical opportunity for players to prove their mettle—and for fans to witness golf at its finest.