The PGA Tour returns to the Blue Monster at Trump National Doral, a venue absent from the circuit for a decade. Once a host for World Golf Championships (WGC), Doral showcased the world's elite in a limited-field, no-cut format. However, the upcoming 2026 Cadillac Championship, touted as a signature event, will not feature all the top players due to a congested schedule.

Notably, five of the top 15 players in the Official World Golf Rankings opted out, including Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Matt Fitzpatrick, Ludvig Åberg, and Robert MacIntyre. In their stead, they will compete in the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow Club as they gear up for the PGA Championship.

Scottie Scheffler, the reigning champion of the PGA Championship, also withdrew, prioritizing major preparation over signature events. He emphasized, "Having three of our biggest events in a row is...if this was a different time of year, maybe I would play all three. But when you have a major championship as the last one, I think that creates a different cadence to it."

This situation highlights a growing issue within the PGA Tour, as players are bypassing marquee events to ensure they are adequately prepared for majors, which are not under the Tour's direct control. Justin Rose remarked on the dilemma, stating, "When you're having to miss great events to prepare for other great events, it's not ideal."

The PGA Tour now faces a challenge of its own making, with players actively choosing to skip important tournaments. As CEO Brian Rolapp and the competition committee evaluate the calendar, the essence of signature events—bringing together the best players—may be at risk. The Tour must refine its scheduling to enhance player participation in future seasons.