Returning to the Blue Monster: Why Doral's Second Round Feels Electric

A Course Reawakened
There's something almost sacred about a golf course coming back to life after years of dormancy from the professional spotlight. Walking the grounds of Trump Doral's Blue Monster this week—or following along from your living room—you can feel the accumulated energy of a decade's absence finally being released.
The 2026 Cadillac Championship marks the PGA Tour's first return to this storied Miami venue in ten years, and if Thursday's opening round was any indication, the Blue Monster has been waiting patiently, sharpening its teeth.
Thursday's Drama Sets the Stage
Reigning Players Champion Cameron Young announced his presence with authority on Thursday, crafting a bogey-free, eight-under 64 that felt almost effortless against the Florida breeze. It's the kind of round that reminds you why we watch—pure ball-striking married to unwavering nerve.
Yet Young holds only a single-shot cushion heading into Friday, thanks to Jordan Spieth's own opening salvo. Spieth, searching for his first Tour victory since 2022, went five under through nine holes before settling for a seven-under 65. For those of us who've followed Spieth's journey through triumph and tribulation, watching him hunt again at Doral carries a particular weight.
Meanwhile, Scottie Scheffler—the world's top-ranked player—finds himself in unfamiliar territory. His one-under opening round leaves him seven shots adrift, a reminder that even the Blue Monster demands respect from everyone.
How to Watch Round 2
Friday's second round promises continuation of the drama, and thankfully, coverage options are plentiful:
- Golf Channel: Television coverage runs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET
- PGA Tour Live on ESPN+: Exclusive early streaming begins at 8:30 a.m. ET, with featured group and featured hole coverage throughout the day
- The GOLF App: A simulcast of Golf Channel's Friday coverage for those watching on mobile devices
For the true devotees, that 8:30 a.m. ESPN+ start time means coffee and birdies—my personal favorite way to spend a Friday morning.
The Blue Monster's Character
I've played Doral's Blue Monster twice over the years, and what strikes me most is how the course rewards thoughtful aggression. The water hazards don't merely frame holes—they define them, turning approach shots into calculated risks that separate the bold from the reckless.
Thursday's scoring conditions were prime, allowing players like Young and Spieth to attack. But Florida weather is fickle, and the Blue Monster has never been a course that yields its secrets easily across four rounds. By Sunday, the cream will have risen—or sunk beneath those famously unforgiving waters.
Notable Round 2 Pairings
The Friday tee sheet offers intriguing combinations for viewers to follow:
- Max Homa and Max Greyserman at 9:00 a.m. ET
- Lucas Glover and Daniel Berger at 9:45 a.m. ET
- J.T. Poston and Jake Knapp at 9:20 a.m. ET
These morning pairings often fly under the radar, but they're where the leaderboard movement happens before the cameras fully turn on.
The Takeaway
After ten years away, the Cadillac Championship's return to Doral feels like reuniting with an old friend who's only grown more interesting with time. Cameron Young leads, Jordan Spieth lurks, Scottie Scheffler fights from behind, and the Blue Monster awaits them all. Tune in Friday morning if you can—this is the kind of tournament week that reminds us why we fell in love with the game in the first place.