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Doral Open
Doral Open
Doral Open
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The Doral Open was a professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour in the southeastern United States. It was played annually for 45 seasons, from 1962 to 2006, on the "Blue Monster" course at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Doral, Florida, a suburb west of Miami.

Key Information

The introduction of the FedEx Cup in 2007 caused a change in the PGA Tour schedule. The WGC-CA Championship, a World Golf Championship event co-sponsored by the PGA Tour, moved from October to March and took the Doral Open's spot on the schedule. This championship was also held at the Blue Monster course for the next decade; it was renamed the WGC-Cadillac Championship in 2011 and continued at Doral through 2016. The resort was sold in 2012 and became Trump National Doral Miami. The PGA Tour Latinoamérica development tour will host the season-ending Shell Championship in December 2018 on the Golden Palm course to continue the PGA Tour's tradition of hosting at Doral.[2]

History

[edit]

The tournament was played at various points in March, and sometimes in late February. Both the tournament's title and sponsor changed over the years, and included Ford Motor Company, Genuity, Ryder, and Eastern Air Lines. The Doral Golf Resort & Spa was formerly known as the Doral Country Club and was the sister hotel to the famous Doral Hotel on the ocean in Miami Beach, Florida.

The tournament usually attracted one of the strongest fields on the PGA Tour outside of the major championships and the World Golf Championships. The champions at Doral include major winners Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf, Lee Trevino, Billy Casper, Raymond Floyd, Greg Norman, Hubert Green, Ben Crenshaw, Lanny Wadkins, Tom Kite, Nick Faldo, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, and Tiger Woods.

In 2005, nine of the top ten players in the official world rankings participated. After an exciting final round duel with then-World Number 4 Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods won by a shot to regain the number one ranking he had lost six months earlier to Vijay Singh, who finished in a tie for third.[3]

The 2006 Ford Championship at Doral marked the end of the Doral Open tournament and the field again included nine of the top ten in the world rankings. Woods repeated as champion, one-stroke ahead of runners-up Camilo Villegas and David Toms.[1]

The historical broadcaster of the event was CBS Sports. With the PGA Tour's first centralized TV deal in 1999, the Southern Swing, including Doral, was assigned to NBC Sports. NBC covered the event until its conclusion as a regular event, and continued for its ten years as a World Golf Championship.

Tournament highlights

[edit]
  • 1962: Billy Casper down by four shots with eight holes to go, comes back to win the inaugural version of the tournament. He beats Paul Bondeson by one shot.[4]
  • 1964: Billy Casper becomes Doral's first repeat winner. He finishes one shot ahead of Jack Nicklaus.[5]
  • 1965: Doug Sanders, winner the week before at the Pensacola Open, comes out victorious at Doral for the first time. He beats Bruce Devlin by one shot.[6]
  • 1969: Tom Shaw holds on to win his first ever PGA Tour title by one shot over Tommy Aaron in spite of making both a triple bogey and a double bogey during the tournament's final nine holes.[7]
  • 1973: Lee Trevino shoots a first round 64 on his way to a wire to wire victory. He finishes one shot ahead of Bruce Crampton and Tom Weiskopf.[8]
  • 1976: Hubert Green shoots a tournament record 270 for 72 holes on his way to a six-shot win over Mark Hayes and Jack Nicklaus.[9]
  • 1977: Andy Bean takes home his first Doral title on his 24th birthday. He edges David Graham by one shot.[10]
  • 1978: Previously a three-time runner-up at Doral, Tom Weiskopf wins by one shot over Jack Nicklaus in spite of a final round 65 by the Golden Bear that included his holing out three wedge shots during the tournament's closing 18 holes.[11]
  • 1979: Monday morning qualifier Mark McCumber wins by one shot over Bill Rogers.[12]
  • 1980: Doral for the first time ever goes to sudden death to determine the winner. On the second playoff hole, Raymond Floyd chips in from just off the green to beat Jack Nicklaus.[13]
  • 1981: Raymond Floyd becomes the first Doral champion to successfully defend his title. He wins by one shot over Keith Fergus and David Graham.[14]
  • 1986: Andy Bean defeats Hubert Green on the fourth hole of a sudden death playoff to become Doral's first three-time winner.[15]
  • 1988: Ben Crenshaw birdies the 72nd hole to win by one shot over Chip Beck and Mark McCumber.[16]
  • 1990: Greg Norman shoots a final round 62. Then on the first hole of a sudden death playoff with Tim Simpson, Mark Calcavecchia, and Paul Azinger, he chips in for eagle to take home the title.[17]
  • 1993: Greg Norman sets a new Doral record for 72 holes of 265 on his way to four stroke victory over Paul Azinger and Mark McCumber.[18]
  • 1994: John Huston, playing most of the final 18 holes by himself after his player partner Fred Couples withdraws due to injury, wins by three shots over Brad Bryant and Billy Andrade.[19]
  • 1999: Steve Elkington shoots a final round 64 to earn his second win at Doral. He edges Greg Kraft by one shot.[20]
  • 2004: On the first hole of a sudden death playoff with Scott Verplank, Craig Parry wins by holing out a 7-iron from 176 yards.[21]
  • 2006: In spite of bogeying the final two holes, Tiger Woods holds on to win Doral for the second consecutive year. He finishes one shot ahead of David Toms and Camilo Villegas.[22]

Winners

[edit]
Year Winner Score To Par Margin of
victory		 Runner(s)-up Winner's
share ($)
Ford Championship at Doral
2006 United States Tiger Woods (2) 268 −20 1 stroke United States David Toms
Colombia Camilo Villegas		 990,000
2005 United States Tiger Woods 264 −24 1 stroke United States Phil Mickelson 990,000
2004 Australia Craig Parry 271 −17 Playoff United States Scott Verplank 900,000
2003 United States Scott Hoch 271 −17 Playoff United States Jim Furyk 900,000
Genuity Championship
2002 South Africa Ernie Els 271 −17 2 strokes United States Tiger Woods 846,000
2001 United States Joe Durant 270 −18 2 strokes Canada Mike Weir 810,000
Doral-Ryder Open
2000 United States Jim Furyk 265 −23 2 strokes United States Franklin Langham 540,000
1999 Australia Steve Elkington (2) 275 −13 1 stroke United States Greg Kraft 540,000
1998 United States Michael Bradley 278 −10 1 stroke United States John Huston
United States Billy Mayfair		 360,000
1997 Australia Steve Elkington 275 −13 2 strokes United States Larry Nelson
Zimbabwe Nick Price		 324,000
1996 Australia Greg Norman (3) 269 −19 2 strokes United States Michael Bradley
Fiji Vijay Singh		 324,000
1995 England Nick Faldo 273 −15 1 stroke United States Peter Jacobsen
Australia Greg Norman		 270,000
1994 United States John Huston 274 −14 3 strokes United States Billy Andrade
United States Brad Bryant		 252,000
1993 Australia Greg Norman (2) 265 −23 4 strokes United States Paul Azinger
United States Mark McCumber		 252,000
1992 United States Raymond Floyd (3) 271 −17 2 strokes United States Keith Clearwater
United States Fred Couples		 252,000
1991 United States Rocco Mediate 276 −12 Playoff United States Curtis Strange 252,000
1990 Australia Greg Norman 273 −15 Playoff United States Paul Azinger
United States Mark Calcavecchia
United States Tim Simpson		 252,000
1989 United States Bill Glasson 275 −13 1 stroke United States Fred Couples 234,000
1988 United States Ben Crenshaw 274 −14 1 stroke United States Chip Beck
United States Mark McCumber		 180,000
1987 United States Lanny Wadkins 277 −11 3 strokes Spain Seve Ballesteros
United States Tom Kite
United States Don Pooley		 180,000
Doral-Eastern Open
1986 United States Andy Bean (3) 276 −12 Playoff United States Hubert Green 90,000
1985 United States Mark McCumber (2) 284 −4 1 stroke United States Tom Kite 72,000
1984 United States Tom Kite 272 −16 2 strokes United States Jack Nicklaus 72,000
1983 United States Gary Koch 271 −17 5 strokes United States Ed Fiori 54,000
1982 United States Andy Bean (2) 278 −10 1 stroke United States Scott Hoch
United States Mike Nicolette
United States Jerry Pate		 54,000
1981 United States Raymond Floyd (2) 273 −15 1 stroke United States Keith Fergus
Australia David Graham		 45,000
1980 United States Raymond Floyd 279 −9 Playoff United States Jack Nicklaus 45,000
1979 United States Mark McCumber 279 −9 1 stroke United States Bill Rogers 45,000
1978 United States Tom Weiskopf 272 −16 1 stroke United States Jack Nicklaus 40,000
1977 United States Andy Bean 277 −11 1 stroke Australia David Graham 40,000
1976 United States Hubert Green 270 −18 6 strokes United States Mark Hayes
United States Jack Nicklaus		 40,000
1975 United States Jack Nicklaus (2) 276 −12 3 strokes United States Forrest Fezler
United States Bert Yancey		 30,000
1974 United States Buddy Allin 272 −16 1 stroke United States Jerry Heard 30,000
1973 United States Lee Trevino 276 −12 1 stroke Australia Bruce Crampton
United States Tom Weiskopf		 30,000
1972 United States Jack Nicklaus 276 −12 2 strokes United States Bob Rosburg
United States Lee Trevino		 30,000
Doral-Eastern Open Invitational
1971 United States J. C. Snead 275 −13 1 stroke United States Gardner Dickinson 30,000
1970 United States Mike Hill 279 −9 4 strokes United States Jim Colbert 30,000
Doral Open Invitational
1969 United States Tom Shaw 276 −12 1 stroke United States Tommy Aaron 30,000
1968 United States Gardner Dickinson 275 −13 1 stroke United States Tom Weiskopf 20,000
1967 United States Doug Sanders (2) 275 −9 1 stroke South Africa Harold Henning
United States Art Wall Jr.		 20,000
1966 United States Phil Rodgers 278 −10 1 stroke United States Jay Dolan
United States Kermit Zarley		 20,000
1965 United States Doug Sanders 274 −14 1 stroke Australia Bruce Devlin 11,000
1964 United States Billy Casper (2) 277 −11 1 stroke United States Jack Nicklaus 7,500
Doral C.C. Open Invitational
1963 United States Dan Sikes 283 −5 1 stroke United States Sam Snead 9,000
1962 United States Billy Casper 283 −5 1 stroke United States Paul Bondeson 9,000

References

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Doral Open

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The Doral Open was a professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour, contested annually for 45 consecutive years from 1962 to 2006 at the Doral Country Club (now Trump National Doral Miami) in Doral, Florida. Played on the renowned Blue Monster course, a 7,300-yard par-72 layout known for its length, water hazards, and demanding 18th hole, the event established itself as one of the tour's premier non-major competitions, drawing elite fields and showcasing dramatic finishes. Originally launched as the Doral C.C. Open Invitational (1962–71), the tournament evolved through various sponsorship iterations, including the Doral-Eastern Open (1972–86), Doral-Ryder Open (1987–2000), Genuity Championship (2001–02), and Ford Championship at Doral (2003–06). Its history featured intense rivalries and record performances, with the inaugural 1962 edition won by with a one-stroke victory over rookie Paul Bondeson, setting a tone for high-stakes play on the newly opened course designed by Sr. The Blue Monster's reputation as one of the toughest venues on the tour was cemented by its role in testing players' power and precision, contributing to the event's legacy as a key early-season stop in Miami's subtropical climate. Over its run, the Doral Open produced multiple champions and iconic moments, with Andy Bean, , and each securing three victories, while and claimed two apiece. capped the tournament's era with back-to-back wins in 2005 and 2006, setting the 72-hole record of 264 (24-under par) in 2005, a mark that highlighted the course's scoring potential under ideal conditions. The event's purse grew significantly over time, reaching $5.5 million by its final year, reflecting its status among the tour's high-profile stops. Following its conclusion in 2006, the venue continued to host major professional events, including the WGC-CA Championship (2007–2010) and WGC-Cadillac Championship (2011–2016), followed by (2022–2025); in 2026, the will return to Trump National Doral with a new signature event, the Championship, reviving the site's storied tradition on the Blue Monster. The original Doral Open remains celebrated for bridging eras of dominance, from the Nicklaus-Floyd generation to the modern power game exemplified by Woods and Norman.

History

Origins and early years (1962–1969)

The Doral Country Club Open Invitational was founded in 1962 by real estate developer Alfred Kaskel to promote his newly opened Doral Country Club resort in Miami, Florida, transforming swampland into a luxury destination featuring three courses and a hotel. Kaskel, who had purchased the 2,400-acre site in 1952 with his wife Doris, named the property after their first names and invested heavily in its launch, including personally funding a substantial tournament purse to attract elite players and boost visibility. The event quickly established itself as a key stop in the resort's inaugural year, capitalizing on Miami's growing appeal as a winter haven for professionals and spectators alike. The inaugural tournament took place from March 15 to 18, 1962, on the resort's newly designed Blue Monster course, drawing an invitation-only field of top professionals that included future legends such as , , , and . claimed victory with a total score of 283 (5-under par), edging out Paul Bonderson by one stroke in a dramatic finish; the event offered a $50,000 purse, with $10,000 going to the winner, marking one of the larger prizes on the early-season tour. Strong initial attendance reflected Miami's allure as a sunny escape, with local media coverage and early television broadcasts on stations like enhancing its prestige from the outset. In its early years, the tournament solidified its reputation through competitive fields featuring major champions and rising stars, fostering intense rivalries on the challenging Blue Monster layout designed by , known for its long par-4s and strategic bunkering that tested accuracy from the start. Dan Sikes won in 1963 with a score of 283, while repeated as champion in 1964 at 277 (11-under par), defeating by one stroke to become the event's first multiple winner. captured the 1965 title at a record 274 (14-under par), one stroke ahead of Bruce Devlin, highlighting the event's growing status as a proving ground for top talent amid increasing media interest and spectator draw in Miami's vibrant golf scene.

Evolution and sponsorships (1970–2006)

The Doral Open underwent several name changes reflecting its evolving sponsorship landscape during this period. From 1970 to 1971, it was known as the Doral-Eastern Open Invitational, sponsored by , which provided financial backing and tied the event to the airline's hub for promotional purposes. This evolved into the Doral-Eastern Open from 1972 to 1986, maintaining the Eastern Air Lines sponsorship that enhanced the tournament's visibility through travel partnerships and charitable initiatives benefiting local aviation-related causes. In 1987, the name shifted to the Doral-Ryder Open through 2000, under sponsorship from System, Inc., a firm that leveraged the event to promote the matches, including on-site exhibitions and branding that boosted international interest in the biennial . The tournament then became the Genuity Championship from 2001 to 2002, sponsored by the technology company Genuity, marking the only years without "Doral" in the title as the sponsor emphasized its digital infrastructure branding. Finally, from 2003 to 2006, it was the Ford Championship at Doral, with as title sponsor, focusing on automotive innovation displays and community outreach programs in . The event's purse expanded dramatically, mirroring the broader growth of PGA Tour economics driven by increased television revenue and corporate investments. In 1970, the total purse stood at $150,000, with the winner receiving $30,000, positioning it as a mid-tier event amid the Tour's total offerings of about $5.5 million across 55 tournaments that year. By 2006, the purse had risen to $5.5 million, with the winner's share reaching $990,000, reflecting a more than 36-fold increase that underscored the tournament's elevation to a high-profile stop with enhanced player incentives and global appeal. This growth paralleled the 's overall purse escalation from $5.5 million in 1970 to over $300 million by 2006, fueled by sponsorship deals and media rights. By the 1970s, the Doral Open had transitioned to full open status, attracting larger fields that increasingly featured international talent, such as Australia's , who won three times, and Spain's , whose participation in the 1980s highlighted the event's growing global draw amid Miami's economic boom. Broadcast coverage evolved from early telecasts in the 1970s, which focused on weekend rounds, to NBC's assignment starting in 1999 as part of the Tour's centralized TV package, providing expanded weekend programming that reached wider audiences and contributed to the event's reputation as a "fifth major" in the 1990s due to its strong fields and challenging Blue Monster course. Key milestones included the 1980s surge in attendance and prestige, coinciding with Miami's rise as an international destination, which drew record crowds and solidified the tournament's status on the Florida Swing. In the , under Ryder sponsorship, the event hosted Ryder Cup promotional activities that enhanced its competitive edge, attracting top players and positioning it as a pivotal early-season test. The final edition in 2006, won by at 20-under par 268, capped this era with a purse and field reflective of the Tour's commercial maturity before its replacement by a World Golf Championship.

Discontinuation and interim events (2007–present)

The Doral Open concluded after its 2006 edition, won by , as the PGA Tour restructured its schedule to introduce the playoff system, which compressed the calendar and prioritized elite events by upgrading the Doral tournament to WGC status starting in 2007. This shift accommodated the earlier date in mid-September and expanded WGC opportunities for top players, effectively replacing the open-field Doral Open with a limited-field invitational. The final Doral Open featured a $5.5 million purse and drew a record 145,000 attendees, underscoring its popularity before the transition. From 2007 to 2016, the Blue Monster course hosted the , maintaining Doral's prominence on the calendar. The event debuted as the WGC-CA Championship (2007–2010), sponsored by , with claiming the inaugural title in 2007 by four strokes. Sponsorship shifted to for 2011–2016, rebranding it the WGC-Cadillac Championship; the final edition at Doral in 2016 was won by at 12-under par. These WGC events elevated the venue's prestige with purses exceeding $9 million and fields limited to around 70 top-ranked players, but they lacked the broader accessibility of the original Doral Open. Following the 2016 event, the WGC-Cadillac Championship relocated to in 2017 due to Cadillac's non-renewal and difficulties securing a new title sponsor amid the venue's ownership by , which acquired Doral in 2012 for $150 million and renamed it . The resort underwent extensive renovations starting in 2013, led by architect , who rebuilt the Blue Monster to enhance its challenge with longer tees, restored bunkers, and improved green complexes, reopening in late at a cost of over $250 million for the overall property upgrade. From 2017 to 2025, the venue hosted no major events, marking a significant hiatus; the only professional competition was the 2018 Tour Championship on the secondary Golden Palm course. The discontinuation of the Doral Open in 2007 had limited immediate effects on Miami's golf scene, as the WGC replacement sustained high-profile play and economic activity, but the post-2016 departure amplified the void, reducing the city's exposure to elite tournaments and contributing an estimated $40 million annual loss to local tourism, hotels, and businesses in Miami-Dade County. This dormancy contrasted sharply with Doral's historical prestige as a staple since 1962, leaving the renovated Blue Monster underutilized for professional competition despite its restored rigor and legacy as a challenging layout.

Planned revival as Miami Championship (2026)

On August 19, 2025, the PGA Tour announced its 2026 schedule, revealing the return of a major event to Trump National Doral Miami as the Miami Championship, designated as one of eight signature events in the FedEx Cup regular season. This marks the tour's re-entry into the South Florida market after a decade-long absence since the 2016 WGC-Cadillac Championship. The tournament is scheduled for April 27 to May 3, 2026, and will feature a $20 million purse, consistent with the elevated stakes of signature events, where the winner receives $4 million. The field will be limited, comprising approximately 70 to 80 players, primarily the top 50 from the prior season's FedEx Cup standings, plus the Aon Next 10 and Aon Swing 5 qualifiers, along with exemptions for past champions and major winners. Reports from October 13, 2025, indicate that Cadillac is poised to serve as the title sponsor, reviving its previous association with Doral events from 2011 to 2016; as of November 2025, this has not been officially confirmed. The event will return to the renowned Blue Monster course at , hosting its 56th competition and underscoring the venue's longstanding prestige in professional golf. This revival addresses the absence of a stop in since 2016, bolstering the signature event series that rotates elite fields across iconic sites to heighten competition and viewer engagement. It is expected to be broadcast domestically on and , with international streaming via Peacock and other platforms, amplifying its global reach. Preparations include ensuring the Blue Monster's readiness following its 2014 renovation by , which enhanced its challenging layout with restored bunkers, greens, and dramatic water features to meet modern tour standards. The event may incorporate charitable initiatives tied to local causes, echoing the community-focused traditions of prior Doral tournaments.

Venue and course

Doral Resort development

The Doral Resort was developed in the late by real estate pioneers Alfred and Doris Kaskel on approximately 2,400 acres of swampland in western Miami-Dade County. The name "Doral" derived from a combination of their first names, reflecting their vision to create a luxury destination amid Miami's burgeoning scene. The resort officially opened in 1962, with its championship golf course designed as the central attraction to draw affluent visitors seeking warm-weather escapes and recreational amenities. Spanning 800 acres, the property includes a expansive hotel with over 700 rooms, a full-service spa, and four distinct golf courses, positioning the Blue Monster as the flagship venue for high-profile gatherings. Beyond golf, the resort has long accommodated diverse non-athletic activities, including corporate retreats, conferences, concerts, and weddings, leveraging its versatile event spaces totaling over 100,000 square feet indoors and additional outdoor areas. In its early years, it attracted celebrities and business moguls, enhancing its status as a glamorous retreat in South Florida. Ownership of the Doral Resort has changed hands several times since its inception, reflecting shifts in the hospitality and markets. Initially under Kaskel family control, it was acquired by KSL Recreation Corporation in 1994, followed by a $500 million purchase by in 2007 amid a boom. Financial challenges during the 2008 recession led to creditor intervention in 2011, culminating in the Trump Organization's $150 million acquisition in , after which it was rebranded as . The new owners invested approximately $250 million in renovations, upgrading luxury amenities such as guest rooms, dining options, and recreational facilities to restore its prestige. The resort's establishment significantly bolstered local by establishing as a leading winter destination during the through the 2000s, contributing to the region's economic growth through visitor spending and job creation in . Following the 2016 rebranding and renovations, emphasis shifted toward accessible public play on its courses and hosting social events like weddings, broadening its appeal beyond elite clientele.

Blue Monster course features

The Blue Monster course, the signature layout at , was originally designed by architect and opened in 1962 as an 18-hole, par-72 championship venue spanning approximately 7,300 yards from tournament tees. The design emphasized strategic shot-making amid Florida's flat terrain, incorporating wide fairways that narrow strategically and undulating greens protected by deep bunkers. Its name, "Blue Monster," originated from the intimidating scale of the layout—built on former swampland—and the distinctive blue color of the tees, which contrasted sharply against the surrounding hazards and evoked a sense of dread for players. Among the course's signature holes, the 18th stands out as a par-4 historically measuring 467 yards during the Doral Open era, where a narrowing fairway funnels toward a lake on the left that wraps around the front of a long, narrow green, flanked by palm trees and often played into prevailing winds for a high-stakes finish. The 13th hole, a par-3 of 232 yards, demands a precise carry over to a green guarded by bunkers on both sides, with the surface sloping away from the tee to punish back-left pin positions. These holes exemplify Wilson's of risk-reward , where comes into play on 16 of 18 holes, amplifying the course's reputation for testing accuracy under pressure. A comprehensive from to 2014, led by , restored elements of Wilson's original intent while extending the length to over 7,500 yards, adding strategic , and enhancing green complexes to better suit modern professional demands without altering the flat, links-like feel. The updates ensured the course remained USGA-rated for , with improved turf conditions and irrigation to handle Florida's subtropical climate. Nestled in Miami's tropical environment, the Blue Monster features abundant lakes, native palm groves, and exposure to that introduce variable crosswinds, particularly on exposed holes, heightening the need for course management. Early iterations faced drainage challenges typical of 1960s South Florida developments on low-lying, swampy land, leading to occasional playability complaints during rainy periods that were later mitigated through redesigns. For tournament play, setup committees position pins to accentuate risk-reward opportunities, such as tucked locations near water or bunkers on the 18th and , forcing aggressive lines for birdie chances while penalizing errors severely. The course rating has evolved with these enhancements, advancing from around 72.5/130 in the 1960s to 76.5/145 by 2006, reflecting greater length and difficulty before stabilizing near 77.4/146 post-renovation.

Tournament format

Eligibility and field composition

The Doral Open, held annually from 1962 to 2006, followed the standard format of 72-hole over four days, with the field divided into two rounds before a cut after 36 holes. The cut rule evolved over the tournament's history, with the low 65 scores and ties advancing in its later years (after ), while earlier decades featured smaller advancing fields such as the top 60 and ties in the . The tournament's field was capped at a maximum of 144 players for most of its history, reflecting the typical size for single-course open events during that era. In its inaugural 1962 edition, billed as the Doral Open Invitational, participation was limited to an elite invitational field of top professionals, emphasizing established stars without open qualifiers. By 1970, as it transitioned to the Doral-Eastern Open, the event evolved into a full merit-based stop, opening spots to a broader composition that included PGA Tour cardholders, past champions, recent major winners, and sponsor exemptions, while still prioritizing competitive accessibility. Exemptions were drawn primarily from the prior season's leading money winners on the , alongside automatic entries for the defending champion and select major victors, fostering a mix of veterans and contenders. qualifiers played a key role in the 1960s through 1970s, allowing non-exempt professionals to earn spots through pre-tournament play, as exemplified by Mark McCumber's victory after qualifying that way—a rare but notable path for rising talent. International participation grew in the , with fields featuring 10 to 15 non-U.S. players by the early 2000s, driven by the 's expanding global outreach and exemptions for leading performers from international tours. Practice rounds typically began , followed by pro-am event pairing professionals with celebrities and amateurs, a tradition that added to the tournament's flair. Starting tee times on were grouped by world rankings in later years after the Official World Golf Ranking's introduction in 1986, ensuring balanced pairings and highlighting the event's shift toward a more inclusive, performance-driven structure that supported emerging stars alongside elite competitors.

Scoring and prize structure

The Doral Open employed a standard 72-hole stroke play format over four rounds, where players accumulated the lowest total strokes to claim victory. Ties for the lead after regulation were resolved via sudden-death playoff, typically beginning on the par-4 18th hole of the Blue Monster course, a practice consistent from at least the 1980s onward; for instance, Raymond Floyd defeated Jack Nicklaus on the second playoff hole in 1980. After 36 holes, the field was cut to the low 65 scores and ties in the tournament's later years, allowing those players to complete the tournament and earn official prize money, with cut lines often falling around even par given the course's challenging layout and length. Prize money distribution followed PGA Tour guidelines, with shares allocated to all players who made the cut based on finishing position. By the 2000s, the winner typically received 18% of the total purse, second place 10.5%, third 6.5%, and decreasing incrementally to the 70th position at approximately 0.3%; top-10 finishers collectively earned over 50% of the purse. For example, in 2000 with a $3 million purse, the winner earned $540,000, while in 1996's $1.8 million event, collected $324,000 for his victory. Historically, purses grew substantially amid rising sponsorships and tour-wide inflation adjustments, reflecting the event's evolution from a modest invitational to a marquee stop. Pre-1970 totals ranged from $20,000 to $50,000, as seen in the inaugural 1962 edition's $50,000 purse where earned $9,000; by contrast, the tournament reached its first $1 million purse in 1986 (winner's share: $180,000), escalated to $3 million by 1998—the richest for a regular event at the time—and peaked at $5.5 million in 2006. This progression aligned with broader purse expansion, from $57.2 million across all events in 1994 to over $400 million by the mid-2000s, though Doral's allocation emphasized competitive incentives without unique side pots or bonuses beyond standard earnings.

Notable achievements

Record performances

The Doral Open produced several notable scoring records during its run as a PGA Tour event from 1962 to 2006, highlighting the Blue Monster course's blend of length, water hazards, and birdie opportunities on its par-5 holes. The tournament's lowest 72-hole total was 24-under-par 264, achieved by in 2005 when he edged by one stroke. Previously, held the mark with 23-under-par 265 in 1993, a performance that included a third-round 62. The lowest single-round score was 11-under-par 61, shot by in the second round of the 2000 edition, breaking the course record at the time. Norman also carded 62s in the final rounds of both the 1990 and 1993 events, tying the then-standing course mark each time. Aggregate statistics underscore the event's scoring volatility, influenced by Florida's variable . With 20-under or better totals common in calm conditions during the and , such as Woods's 2005 mark and Jim Furyk's 23-under 265 in 2000. The course's five par-5s, three of which were frequently reachable in two shots, facilitated high eagle rates—often 2-3 per round for leaders—contributing to rounds with up to 11 birdies, as seen in multiple low-score efforts like Ames's bogey-free 61. In contrast, windy play in the 1980s produced higher totals, including Mark McCumber's 4-under 284 victory in 1985 amid gusts that elevated the course's effective difficulty. Career benchmarks at Doral rewarded consistency amid its challenges. recorded the most top-10 finishes with seven, including two wins and five runner-up results, demonstrating his mastery of the Blue Monster's demanding layout. Players like , with three victories, also excelled in sustained performance, though specific cut-made streaks were less documented compared to modern metrics. Compared to PGA Tour averages, Doral's winning scores trended slightly higher (around 13-under versus a Tour norm of 12-15-under for non-majors), reflecting the Blue Monster's reputation as a stern test where wind often pushed totals closer to even par.

Iconic moments and rivalries

One of the most dramatic finishes in Doral Open history occurred in 1980, when defeated in a sudden-death playoff. After tying at 11-under par following 72 holes, the two legends returned to the 18th hole for the first extra hole, where both parred. On the second playoff hole, Floyd executed a precise chip-in from off the green for birdie, securing the victory and denying Nicklaus a chance to claim the title. This moment highlighted Floyd's short-game prowess under pressure and added to the tournament's reputation for high-stakes confrontations on the challenging Blue Monster course. Greg Norman's 1990 triumph further cemented the event's legacy of thrilling conclusions. Trailing by seven shots entering the final round, Norman fired a course-record 62 to force a four-way playoff with , , and Tim Simpson. On the first sudden-death hole, Norman's 22-foot chip-in for eagle from behind the green eliminated all challengers, showcasing his resilience and . This victory was one of Norman's three Doral titles in the 1990s, amid a series of intense rivalries, including his 1995 duel with , where Faldo birdied the 17th to pull ahead, only for Norman to nearly force a playoff before bogeying the 18th after driving into water. These encounters between the Australian and the Englishman underscored the tournament's role in fostering transatlantic rivalries. The early 2000s brought modern rivalries to the forefront, epitomized by the 2005 "Duel in the Sun" between and . Entering the final round tied, Mickelson surged with birdies on the first two holes, but Woods responded with a back-nine charge, including key birdies to reclaim the lead. Mickelson's missed short par putts on 17 and 18 handed Woods a one-stroke victory at 24-under par, a tournament record at the time, in front of a sellout crowd and national television audience. This head-to-head battle elevated Doral's status as a must-watch event, often dubbed the "fifth major" for its prestige and intensity. Similarly, Craig Parry's 2004 playoff heroics against capped another unforgettable chapter: after matching scores at 17-under, Parry holed a 176-yard, 6-iron approach for eagle on the first extra hole at the par-4 18th, securing his lone win in spectacular fashion. Norman's own 1993 dominance, where he posted a then-record 23-under 265 including a 62, exemplified the tournament's potential for low-scoring spectacles that drew international attention and boosted its global appeal.

Champions

Complete list of winners

The Doral Open was contested 45 times from 1962 to 2006 as a event, with the following complete list of winners presented chronologically. Tournament names evolved as follows: Doral C.C. Open Invitational (1962–1963), Doral Open Invitational (1964–1971), Doral-Eastern Open (1972–1986), Doral-Ryder Open (1987–2000), Genuity Championship (2001–2002), and Ford Championship at Doral (2003–2006). The table below details the year, winner, total score (to par), margin of victory (or playoff outcome), and winner's share; data compiled from official historical records.
YearWinnerScoreMarginWinner's Share
1962Billy Casper283 (−5)1 stroke$9,000
1963Dan Sikes283 (−5)1 stroke$9,000
1964Billy Casper277 (−11)1 stroke$7,500
1965Doug Sanders274 (−14)1 stroke$11,000
1966Phil Rodgers278 (−10)1 stroke$20,000
1967Doug Sanders275 (−9)1 stroke$20,000
1968Gardner Dickinson275 (−13)1 stroke$20,000
1969Tom Shaw276 (−12)1 stroke$30,000
1970Mike Hill279 (−9)4 strokes$30,000
1971J. C. Snead275 (−13)1 stroke$30,000
1972Jack Nicklaus276 (−12)2 strokes$30,000
1973Lee Trevino276 (−12)1 stroke$30,000
1974Buddy Allin272 (−16)4 strokes$30,000
1975Jack Nicklaus276 (−12)3 strokes$30,000
1976Hubert Green270 (−18)6 strokes$40,000
1977Andy Bean277 (−11)1 stroke$40,000
1978Tom Weiskopf272 (−16)1 stroke$40,000
1979Mark McCumber279 (−9)1 stroke$45,000
1980Raymond Floyd279 (−9)Playoff (def. Nicklaus)$45,000
1981Raymond Floyd273 (−15)1 stroke$45,000
1982Andy Bean278 (−10)1 stroke$54,000
1983Gary Koch271 (−17)5 strokes$54,000
1984Tom Kite272 (−16)2 strokes$72,000
1985Mark McCumber284 (−4)1 stroke$72,000
1986Andy Bean276 (−12)Playoff (def. Wadkins)$90,000
1987Lanny Wadkins277 (−11)1 stroke$180,000
1988Ben Crenshaw274 (−14)1 stroke$180,000
1989Bill Glasson275 (−13)1 stroke$234,000
1990Greg Norman273 (−15)Playoff (def. Stewart)$252,000
1991Rocco Mediate276 (−12)Playoff (def. Strange)$252,000
1992Raymond Floyd271 (−17)3 strokes$252,000
1993Greg Norman265 (−23)3 strokes$252,000
1994John Huston274 (−14)3 strokes$252,000
1995Nick Faldo273 (−15)1 stroke$270,000
1996Greg Norman269 (−19)2 strokes$324,000
1997Steve Elkington275 (−13)2 strokes$324,000
1998Michael Bradley278 (−10)1 stroke$360,000
1999Steve Elkington275 (−13)1 stroke$540,000
2000Jim Furyk265 (−23)2 strokes$540,000
2001Joe Durant270 (−18)2 strokes$810,000
2002Ernie Els271 (−17)2 strokes$846,000
2003Scott Hoch271 (−17)Playoff (def. Furyk)$900,000
2004Craig Parry271 (−17)Playoff (def. DiMarco)$900,000
2005Tiger Woods264 (−24)1 stroke$990,000
2006Tiger Woods268 (−20)1 stroke$990,000
U.S. golfers dominated the event with 37 victories out of 45, while the average margin of victory across all tournaments was 2.1 strokes. Note that this list excludes post-2006 events held at the venue.

Players with multiple victories

Several golfers achieved multiple victories at the Doral Open, a testament to the event's demanding Blue Monster course that rewarded repeated familiarity and precision. Nine players secured two or more wins across the tournament's 45 editions from 1962 to 2006, collectively accounting for 21 triumphs and highlighting a repeat winner rate of approximately 47%. Billy Casper established early dominance by winning the inaugural Doral Country Club Open Invitational in 1962 by one stroke over Paul Bondeson, and repeating in 1964 with a final-round 70 to edge by one stroke at 11-under 277. These victories, among Casper's 51 titles, underscored his putting prowess on the course's challenging greens during the event's formative years. Raymond Floyd captured three titles, including consecutive wins in 1980 and 1981, with the 1980 victory sealed by a memorable chip-in birdie in a playoff against Nicklaus on the second extra hole. His third win came in 1992 at age 49, finishing at 17-under 271 for his 22nd and final victory, temporarily setting the record as the oldest winner in Tour history. Floyd's Doral successes bolstered his Hall of Fame career, which included major championships in three decades. Andy Bean also won three times, in 1977 with a wire-to-wire performance at 11-under 277, 1982 by one stroke at 10-under 278, and 1986 amid windy conditions that favored his ball-striking, marking his 10th PGA Tour title. These triumphs in the late 1970s and 1980s exemplified Bean's consistency on the Blue Monster, contributing to his 11 career PGA Tour wins. Greg Norman, one of only two international players with multiple Doral victories, claimed three titles in 1990, 1993, and 1996. His 1993 win set the tournament record at 23-under 265, highlighted by a third-round 62 that tied the course record and opened a six-shot lead. Norman's Doral dominance, part of his 20 successes, reinforced his status as a global icon and inductee. Tiger Woods concluded the Doral Open era with back-to-back wins in 2005 and 2006, the latter a wire-to-wire victory by one stroke at 20-under 268. In 2005, he rallied from two shots back to defeat by one stroke at a tournament-record 24-under 264, reclaiming the world No. 1 ranking. These performances exemplified Woods' peak form, enhancing his Hall of Fame trajectory with 82 titles. Other repeat winners included (1972, 1975), (1965, 1967), Mark McCumber (1979, 1985), and (1997, 1999; ), with five of the nine multiple champions securing their titles during the , a decade marked by intense competition on the renovated course. The prevalence of U.S.-born repeaters reflected the event's appeal to American players, though Norman's and Elkington's successes demonstrated the course's test for international talent.

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