Background on Donald Trump and His Relevance to Golf
Donald Trump, a prominent figure in both politics and business, has made significant contributions to the world of golf. With over a dozen professional golf courses scattered across the United States, Ireland, Scotland, and the United Arab Emirates, Trump’s influence in the sport is undeniable.
PGA Tour and Trump National Doral: A History
For a decade, Trump’s golf courses were absent from the PGA Tour calendar. However, this is set to change as Trump National Doral in Miami will host a PGA Tour event once again in 2026. The course previously held the WGC-Cadillac Championship from 1962 to 2016, with the last event taking place in 2015-16.
The Shift from Cadillac to LIV Series
In 2016, the WGC-Cadillac Championship moved from Trump National Doral to Mexico due to Cadillac’s withdrawal as the tournament sponsor. The event was held at the Club de Golf de Chapultepec in Mexico City from 2017 to 2020 under the name WGC-Mexico Championship. Meanwhile, Trump National Doral hosted the LIV Series from 2022 to 2025, offering purses of up to $50 million.
The Return and Its Impact
Brian Rolapp, CEO of the PGA Tour, expressed excitement about the return of top golfers to iconic courses, including Trump National Doral. The course will now be one of nine “signature” events with more than 50 years of hosting the PGA Tour circuit.
Other Signature Events
- Waialae Country Club
- Torrey Pines Golf Course
- Pebble Beach Golf Links
- The Riviera Country Club
- Augusta National Golf Club
- Harbour Town Golf Links
- Colonial Country Club
- Muirfield Village Golf Club
Mexico Open’s Adjustment
The Mexico Open, previously held at Vidanta, will need to adjust its spring schedule to accommodate the return of the PGA Tour event at Trump National Doral. It is estimated that the tournament will shift to autumn, likely after August, as its official schedule has yet to be published.
Trump’s Desire for Unification
In April of this year, Donald Trump expressed his hope for a merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Series, benefiting golf enthusiasts worldwide. With his extensive portfolio of professional golf courses, Trump’s influence in the sport remains substantial.
