The PGA Tour will return to Donald Trump’s Trump National Doral golf course next season, marking the circuit’s comeback to the venue after a 10-year break. Starting in 2026, the course in Miami will host The Miami Championship, a new $20 million tournament and one of the nine elite signature events on the PGA Tour schedule.
Historic Role of Doral and Reasons for Departure
Doral’s famous Blue Monster course was a staple on the PGA Tour schedule for over 50 years, hosting an annual tournament from 1962 through 2016, including the WGC–Cadillac Championship in its final years there. The event moved away from Doral after Cadillac chose not to renew its sponsorship, and officials were unable to secure a replacement sponsor. The tour eventually relocated the tournament to Mexico for commercial reasons.
Controversies Surrounding the Relocation and Trump’s Reaction
The PGA Tour’s decision to move the event to Mexico came amid a tense political backdrop. The tour had openly criticized Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign rhetoric about immigrants, with a 2015 statement condemning his comments as conflicting with their commitment to inclusivity in golf. Trump responded angrily to the event’s relocation, calling it a
“sad day for Miami, the United States and the game of golf.”
He further remarked,
“They’re moving it to Mexico City. I hope they have kidnapping insurance.”
Recent Developments and The Miami Championship’s Status
Since then, Trump National Doral became affiliated with the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf tour, a rival to the PGA Tour. However, relations have shifted recently as Trump has been involved in peace talks aimed at uniting the two circuits. The Miami Championship will reestablish Doral’s connection with the PGA Tour and join the ranks of prestigious signature events, featuring the world’s top players and offering a substantial $20 million purse.
PGA Tour’s Vision and Commitment to Golf’s Growth
Brian Rolapp, the PGA Tour’s chief executive, emphasized the significance of the schedule announcement:
“We’re excited to showcase the game’s greatest players competing at golf’s most iconic venues.”
He added,
“Inspired by our players and fans, we’re accelerating the Tour’s evolution and ushering in a new era of innovation on and off the course.”
Upcoming Major Tournaments and Signature Events on the PGA Schedule
The 2026 PGA Tour calendar includes major championships such as The Masters (April 6-12), PGA Championship (May 11-17), US Open (June 15-21), and The Open (July 13-19). Among the nine signature events are The Sentry, AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am, Genesis Invitational, Arnold Palmer Invitational, RBC Heritage, the new Miami Championship (April 27-May 3), Truist Championship, Memorial Tournament, and Travelers Championship.
Significance of Doral’s Return to the PGA Tour
The return of the PGA Tour to Trump National Doral marks a notable moment in golf’s complex recent history involving sports, politics, and business. It restores a long-standing venue to the Tour’s elite competition tier, while also reflecting evolving relationships between influential figures and organizations in the sport. As the Miami Championship prepares to debut in 2026, the stage is set for high-profile competition that carries not just sporting importance but symbolic weight given the course’s history and past controversies.