Cadillac Championship 2026: Akshay Bhatia’s high ceiling makes him a great bet for Doral

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9. Jason Day

The last time this tournament took place in Doral, in 2016, Jason Day was the No. 1-ranked player in the world. Upon its return 10 years later, Day has shown revitalized form and could be trending toward a return to the winner’s circle. Back-to-back noteworthy results at the Houston Open and Masters has me optimistic that he has another run in him.

His superpower remains his ability to scramble around the greens. Day is still one of the best bunker players on tour, and the deeply carved sand traps around Doral historically have given players fits around the greens. He’s a sneaky option further down the odds board and presents value given his current form and history at this venue.

8. Akshay Bhatia

The format of these no-cut, shortened field tournaments suit aggressive players with high ceilings, making Akshay Bhatia worthy of serious consideration. His victory earlier this season that took place a few hours north of Doral at the API stands proof that he possesses the game and mind-set required to win on ultra-demanding Florida layouts.

The emphasis for Bhatia is elite iron play, which he often parlays into making substantial birdie-runs while other players are holding on for dear life. He’s certainly a compelling fit given his resume this season as Bhatia looks to knock off another signature event in the Sunshine State.

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7. Viktor Hovland

Viktor Hovland has spent much of 2026 on a quest for consistency. There have been flashes of pure brilliance, when he produced a Sunday charge at Augusta or got off to a red-hot start in Hilton Head, but he’s struggling with damage control on occasion to keep himself in contention on days where he simply doesn’t have it.

Doral does offer some width off the tee, which should be inviting for Hovland. If he gets it in play, he’s proven that he remains one of the best in the world with an iron in his hands. If Hovland can exercise patience and find a hot putter, he’s a player that is on the precipice of a win this season.

6. Jake Knapp

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Maddie Meyer

Elite-level speed and power is one of the key attributes that Doral emphasizes, and it’s something that Jake Knapp produces effortlessly on a regular basis. His comeuppance in 2026 might go overlooked by some being void of victory, but I see a player that is prime for a breakthrough on a big stage.

Knapp has become a much more well-rounded player this season, showing vast improvement with his wedge-play and putting. Ultimately, his consistency facilitates confidence, and Knapp can produce spike rounds when he’s less concerned about making it through a cutline. Doral feels like an excellent venue to make his statement amongst the best in the game.

5. Collin Morikawa

If not for the back injury, a literal sore subject for Collin Morikawa, his consistency from tee to green would make Morikawa an optimal target. It’s a legitimate concern, but we went from uncertainty of whether he could even finish the Masters, to recording a T-7.

Morikawa brings composure and intelligence to the course, a trait relished and rewarded by the Blue Monster. He routinely sets his targets and executes with near-flawless accuracy. This course punishes anything short of a fully committed golf swing, so as long as the back is in good standing, Morikawa is a serious threat to dethrone some of the power players in the field.

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4. Tommy Fleetwood

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Kevin C. Cox

His trademark repeatability and aesthetically pleasing style of play often places Tommy Fleetwood on the first page of the leader board. With that comes pressure, something Fleetwood is still working through in difficult conditions, but the more difficult the test, the more I like his chances.

Fleetwood’s proximity to the hole on approach shots are the key to his success, an asset often accentuated along the Florida coast when the wind plays a factor. I expect him to be right there with a chance to win on Sunday, with another chance to rewrite the narratives and become a two-time PGA Tour winner.

3. Cameron Young

It’s been a dream year for Cameron Young. Ryder Cup hero, Masters final pairing, and solidifying himself as one of the best in the world when he won The Players. He’s been a breakout star on the PGA Tour with his combination of power off the tee and a vastly improved short game. Plus, for Young, the biggest thing is that he’s learned how to win.

His game sets up to be an ideal player profile match for Doral. His length will afford him the opportunities to score on the par 5s, a key component to unlocking under-par rounds at the Blue Monster. Another deep run into Sunday would continue his incredible trajectory and prove that he’s a contender every time he tees it up.

2. Russell Henley

Russell Henley is like a venomous snake. You don’t see him, you don’t hear him coming, but he’s quietly the most dangerous player in the field. Henley is the antithesis of flash and bang, instead he represents untouchable consistency that allows him to thrive with the big dogs on championship level courses.

He’s become so well rounded that his game performs on any course, any time, and he rarely beats himself with mental errors. He’s had success in Florida and often spikes in putting on the Bermudagrass greens, which are featured at Doral. At 7,700-plus yards, most will gravitate toward power, but do not underestimate Russell Henley anymore. He’s going to play well and he’s ready to strike.

1. Scottie Scheffler

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Kevin C. Cox

The world of professional golf over the past three years is ever-changing. Purse sizes, tour schedules, rival leagues, leadership changes and the list goes on. Nothing has been a constant … except World No. 1. Scottie Scheffler has been on the door step in his past two tournaments, narrowly falling short, but will show up to Doral with intentions on dismantling the Blue Monster.

Simply put, he’s the best player in the field and this is a perfect golf course for him. The lengthy approaches play directly into his ball-striking strengths, and he packs world-class chipping and bunker play should he occasionally miss the large greens. There’s a reason that he has spent more than 150 consecutive weeks atop the world golf rankings, and he’s easily the top contender to win the 2026 Cadillac Championship.

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Joe Idone is a Read The Line contributor and host of the Preferred Lines podcast.