PGA Tour crowds at Donald Trump’s golf course are drawing scrutiny and concern, as discussions grow over attendance levels and their wider implications for golf
View of the clubhouse at Trump National Doral (Image: ( Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images))
The attendance at a PGA Tour event held at a course owned by Donald Trump has sparked concern among fans. Many of the world’s top golfers have descended on Miami to compete for the £2.6million ($3.6m) first prize at the Cadillac Championship, although Masters champion Rory McIlroy and Ryder Cup teammate Matt Fitzpatrick have opted to skip the event.
The event marks a return to Miami after a decade-long absence, following Cadillac’s end of its title sponsorship in 2016, prompting the PGA Tour to shift the tournament from Doral to Mexico City, a move that drew criticism at the time. Now, following a 10-year hiatus, the Tour is back in Miami for the inaugural edition of the revamped tournament.
Doral, a fixture on the schedule since 1962, previously hosted the event for decades, and this tournament now stands as the fifth of eight signature events on this season’s calendar.
The main grandstand surrounding the 18th green at Doral appeared visibly sparse during play, even with star names like Rickie Fowler and Collin Morikawa on the course. Despite both being among the PGA Tour’s biggest draws, large sections of seating were noticeably empty, raising questions about turnout at the high-profile event.
Cameron Young surged into a commanding lead, opening up a five-shot advantage over the field at the halfway stage. The Players Championship winner backed up his opening-round 64 with a composed 67 on Friday, mixing six birdies with just one bogey to take firm control of the tournament.
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Jordan Spieth, a three-time major champion, sits in a three-way tie for second after carding a second-round 71. He is joined on eight-under-par by Nick Taylor and Alex Smalley. Gary Woodland holds fifth place at seven under, while a crowded group at six under includes world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Alex Fitzpatrick, who recently teamed up with his brother Matt to win the Zurich Classic.
The grandstand at the 18th hole in Doral were visibly empty
Doral is widely regarded as one of the most demanding layouts on the PGA Tour calendar and is expected to pose a stern test for the world’s leading players. While no official confirmation has been made about the president’s attendance at the Cadillac Championship, tournament officials have issued an enhanced security notice for spectators attending this weekend’s action at Doral.
The advisory has sparked speculation that Trump could make an appearance during the final two rounds on the famed Blue Monster course. It comes after Trump was caught on camera doing a shocking act to Melania at an inappropriate moment.
The concern around attendance comes at the end of a week in which Saudi Arabia is to end its financial backing of LIV Golf after the 2026 season. The country’s Public Investment Fund, which has ploughed more than 5billion US dollars (£3.7bn) into the breakaway circuit, announced its decision to step away on Thursday.
The breakaway league could be over(Image: Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
The decision casts doubt over the long-term future of the league. A PIF spokesperson said: “PIF has made the decision to fund LIV Golf only for the remainder of the 2026 season.
“The substantial investment required by LIV Golf over a longer term is no longer consistent with the current phase of PIF’s investment strategy. This decision has been made in light of PIF’s investment priorities and current macro dynamics.
“The LIV Golf board has created a committee of independent directors to evaluate strategic alternatives for its future beyond PIF’s funding horizon. PIF remains committed to deploying capital internationally in line with its investment strategy, including its substantial current and future investments in various sports as a priority sector.”
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