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 the sport
09:17 ET, 02 May 2026Updated 11:46 ET, 02 May 2026
The attendance at the Cadillac Championship at Doral has sparked concerns (Image: Getty Images)
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 $3.6 million first prize at the Cadillac Championship, though notable absentees include Masters champion Rory McIlroy and Ryder Cup teammate Matt Fitzpatrick. The event marks a return to Miami after a decade-long absence. In 2016, Cadillac ended its title sponsorship, 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. It comes after a bizarre bulge was spotted in Trump’s pants – leading to an alarming accusation.
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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 at the Cadillac Championship, 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.
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.
The grandstand at the 18th hole in Doral was visibly empty(Image: Screenshot/X)
Gary Woodland holds fifth place at seven under, while a crowded group at six under includes world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and England’s Alex Fitzpatrick, who recently teamed up with his brother Matt to win the Zurich Classic.
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.
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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 fueled 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.