Five of the top 15 golfers in the world are sitting out this week's Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral. The absences stem from a compressed schedule featuring three Signature Events in four weeks leading into the PGA Championship. Players cite the need for rest ahead of the major.
The Cadillac Championship marks the PGA Tour's return to Trump National Doral's Blue Monster course since 2016. World No. 2 Rory McIlroy, No. 3 Matt Fitzpatrick, No. 9 Xander Schauffele, No. 12 Robert MacIntyre and No. 14 Ludvig Aberg are among those skipping the Signature Event. McIlroy, fresh off a Masters victory, is taking a break similar to last year. Fitzpatrick follows three straight weeks, including wins at the RBC Heritage and Zurich Classic last week. Adam Scott described the situation from Miami on Tuesday as 'a little bit of an exception' due to the late addition of the event. 'I think we’ve got to get through this year and hopefully the schedule looks a little more balanced next year,' he said. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler headlines the field but plans to skip next week's Truist Championship at Quail Hollow before the PGA Championship. Scheffler explained his strategy Wednesday, noting he avoids playing the week before majors to prevent burnout. 'Major championships are just the hardest events,' he said. 'In order for me to show up and play my best I have to have off time.' Justin Rose, returning after tying for third at the Masters, opted to miss the RBC Heritage for recovery. The 2012 Blue Monster winner said, 'Something had to give... I needed that week extra to reflect and get the recovery going.' Players expect schedule adjustments next year to avoid such conflicts.
