Trump National Doral - Miami, FL
Few courses in America have witnessed more eras of professional golf than Trump National Doral, home to Miami’s famed Blue Monster. What began as a mid-century dream of Florida resort living has evolved into one of the most recognizable stops in professional golf — and come 2026, the PGA Tour will once again return after a decade long hiatus, this time as one of nine Signature Events with a $20 million purse.
Doral’s story starts in 1962, when real estate developer Alfred Kaskel opened “Doral” — a name derived from a blend of his and his wife’s names, Doris and Alfred. The property was part of a vision that paired luxury lodging with championship golf, anchored by a course that could challenge the very best. Designed by Dick Wilson, the Blue Monster was one of Wilson’s final masterpieces — a sprawling, water-laced layout that demanded both precision and power.
For decades, the course was a fixture on the PGA Tour schedule, hosting the Doral Open from 1962 until 2006 and later becoming home to the WGC–Cadillac Championship. Its finishing hole, the par-4 18th wrapped by a lake on the left, became one of the most feared closing stretches in golf. The winners’ list reads like a hall of fame: Nicklaus, Norman, Woods, Mickelson, and McIlroy all tamed the Monster — or at least survived it.
In 2012, Donald Trump purchased the resort out of bankruptcy, launching a complete redesign with architect Gil Hanse. Hanse’s work honored Wilson’s original corridors but reimagined the course for the modern player — deeper bunkers, sharper contours, and an unmistakable visual punch. The renovation returned Doral to championship form, a balance of elegance and brutality.
Hanse’s fingerprints are found across modern golf, from restoration projects to new builds that feel instantly timeless. His portfolio includes The Park in West Palm Beach, a community-driven public course that’s quickly become one of Florida’s most exciting golf stories, as well as acclaimed designs like Streamsong Black, The Olympic Course in Rio de Janeiro, and Ohoopee Match Club in Georgia. His work at Doral reflects the same balance — strategic interest, visual drama, and a deep respect for the land’s original intent. Read more about my visit to The Park here.
I had the chance to experience it firsthand on October 9th, under relatively benign weather conditions — a rarity in South Florida. My connection came through my mother-in-law’s college friend, Carrie Ruiz, who now serves as General Manager of Golf at Doral. Carrie was kind enough to welcome me to the property, setting the tone for a visit that blended resort comfort with tournament pedigree.
I stayed the night in the newly renovated Jack Nicklaus Villas, which sit just steps from the course and reflect the broader refresh the entire resort has undergone. Beyond the Blue Monster, Doral features three additional courses — the Golden Palm, Red Tiger, and Silver Fox — each with its own personality and routing through the palm-framed landscape. Off the course, the resort-style pool complex, multiple restaurant offerings, and the hum of golf carts and families create a vibrant sense of place — the kind of destination that feels alive even when the last group has walked off 18. This would be a great destination for the family, or a buddies trip as the property has a great balance of offerings.
The return of PGA Tour golf in 2026 marks a fitting homecoming for the property — a chance for today’s stars to take on a course that has defined multiple generations of professional golf. From Wilson’s original vision to Hanse’s modern refinement, from the Doral Open to the Signature Event era, the Blue Monster continues to evolve — still bold, still beautiful, and still unmistakably Doral. I look forward to watching the PGA Tour’s best challenge the Blue Monster again.
