The Exciting Return of the PGA Tour to Trump Doral: What You Need to Know
Hey there, golf fans! You may have heard the buzz earlier this week — the PGA Tour is making a comeback to Trump Doral in 2026 with a brand-new event called the Miami Championship. Now, before you shrug it off as just another tournament, let’s break down why this isn’t your run-of-the-mill addition to the golfing calendar.
First off, let’s rewind a bit. The PGA Tour packed its bags and left Miami after 2016, largely because Cadillac decided to pull their sponsorship card. It was a bit of a messy split between former President Donald Trump and the Tour. Instead, they shifted gears and hosted a WGC event in Mexico City. That was fine for a few years, but once the pandemic hit, sponsorship troubles left that event struggling too. The last Mexico City showdown happened back in 2020.
Fast forward to now, and it became a no-brainer for the Tour to claim their spot back in the coveted South Florida market—especially since the Doral has the best facilities in the area. The perplexing part? LIV has held an event there for the last four years. But here’s the twist: LIV isn’t returning to Miami in 2026 because their event wasn’t drawing the crowds like other tournaments. While LIV tries to explore fresh markets like South Africa and New Orleans, the spot at Trump Doral is now open for the Tour.
So, what does all this mean for golf enthusiasts? Well, here’s the scoop: The Miami Championship will be launched the first week of May, and it’s set to be a prestigious affair with a whopping $20 million purse. This isn’t just a regular addition; it’s the Tour’s way of handing fans another signature event without dropping any existing tournaments. Instead, they’re bumping the count up to nine signature events.
Now here’s where things get a little spicy. Along with the new event, the Tour is also cutting down on its full-time membership cards, dropping from 125 to 100. Translation? The richest players are about to cash in even more! This new format means only the big shots get to play in this limited-field event. More cash in their pockets and less for those who might not be at the top of their game. Think of around 80 players gracing the signature tournaments, while only the top 50 on FedEx points or those with special invites can snag a spot.
If you’re not among this elite group, getting your golf in next summer will be tough. With only two chances for lower-tier members over a six-week span between the Masters and the PGA Championship, the competition is heating up. And it’s likely that top players might skip some of these signature events since they’re packed together. Take Rory McIlroy, for example. He decided to pass on four signature events this past year alone!
While the stars have the luxury of picking and choosing their schedules, the less-popular players are stuck feeling the heat. This situation could lead certain smaller tournaments to fade away as their fields dwindle. The high-stakes signature events are where all the points and money are, ensuring that the top dogs stay on their golden tracks while the rest struggle to keep up.
Now, let’s talk about Trump. Remember when pro golf and Trump were at odds? Well, it looks like that’s changing. When the Tour backed out of Doral back in 2016, Trump’s comments were blunt and biting. Fast forward to now, and relationships are warming up. Trump even hosted Tour and LIV leadership earlier this year, a sign that things are moving toward a more amiable partnership.
It’s important to note that Trump is now back in the picture with the Miami Championship. The financial vibe surrounding his brand has shifted enough for this event to flourish at his course. Talk about a huge turnaround! He’s even hinted at showing up for next month’s Ryder Cup. Suddenly, the game of golf is playing a whole new tune with Trump’s involvement.
Of course, none of this would be complete without the realization that ultimately, it’s all about the dollars and cents. Isn’t it funny how money always seems to weave its way into these scenarios? As these dynamics shift, the pro golf landscape continues to evolve in ways that many fans have been longing for. And let’s be honest, seeing the top players duke it out more often is what we all crave!
So, buckle up, golf fans. The Miami Championship at Trump Doral is set to shake things up in the world of golf starting in 2026. As we gear up for the changes ahead, one lesson stands out: the game is evolving, and every swing has its significance. Let’s see how this unfolds!
