MIAMI, Fla. — World No. 4 Cameron Young has taken firm control of the 2026 PGA Tour Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral’s Blue Monster.
“There’s a lot of golf to be played on a difficult golf course,” Young said. “But so far, I’ve played well.”
After 36 holes of the star-studded $20 million Signature Event, Young leads by a comfortable five-shot margin, blending precision ball-striking with a scorching putter that has overwhelmed one of golf’s most iconic layouts.
Round 1: A Bogey-Free Masterclass
On Thursday, Young delivered a flawless 8-under-par 64, making eight birdies against no bogeys. His putter was electric — he holed nearly 100 feet of putts — and his scrambling was perfect (8-for-8). He attacked the par-5s effectively and kept mistakes off the card on the demanding Blue Monster.
This performance gave him a one-shot edge over Jordan Spieth and Alex Smalley (both 65), with others like Nick Taylor close behind.
Young called it one of his cleanest rounds of the year, crediting confidence from recent form, including a strong Players Championship showing.
Round 2: Extending the Lead
Young kept the momentum rolling on Friday, carding a 5-under 67 to reach 13-under for the tournament (131 total).
The Wake Forest alum signed for a card with six birdies against only one bogey, while remaining composed through a brutal back nine as the field tried to chase him down.
“I think I just managed misses really well, I putted really well. I feel like I just took advantage of the opportunities I had,” Young said.
“I didn’t hit it terrible but I just wasn’t consistently in position all day, I didn’t drive it amazing. I think that’s kind of what I would like to do better tomorrow.”
Cameron Young is putting on a clinic so far at Doral 🎯🔥
Birdie to go 4-under through 7 and extend his lead pic.twitter.com/vGtBaFURb3
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) May 1, 2026
While chasers like Spieth and others posted solid numbers, Young’s consistency created separation.
Young’s stats highlight the dominance: elite strokes gained on approach and around the greens, plus continued hot putting.
The Blue Monster’s water hazards and firm conditions tested everyone, but Young looked unfazed.
Top 10 After Round 2
1. Cam Young -13 (-5)
2. Nick Taylor -8 (-2)
2. Jordan Spieth -8 (-1)
2. Alex Smalley -8 (-1)
5. Gary Woodland -7 (-3)
6. Alex Fitzpatrick -6 (-6)
6. Taylor Pendrith -6 (-5
6. Scottie Scheffler -6 (-5)
6. Kristoff Reitan -6 (-4)
6. Si Woo Kim -6 (-4)
6. Brian Harman -6 (-2)
Looking Ahead to Moving Day
Young will head into Saturday’s third round as the clear favorite, but Doral has a history of producing drama. With massive prize money, FedEx Cup points, and momentum heading toward the next major on the line, the leaders will face heightened pressure.
“I’ll take whatever I can get. I feel like I’ve been around the lead quite a bit, I’m not particularly uncomfortable,” Young said. “I’ve liked this golf course thus far. So that being said I’ll take whatever advantage you’re going to give me.
“There’s a lot of guys right there, four or five back, and I’m sure somebody will be 4-under through 5 tomorrow so you just have to be ready for that and go from there.”
Young’s blend of power off the tee and touch on the greens positions him perfectly to add as Signature event title to his Players trophy.
Other Standout Performances
Alex Fitzpatrick’s Hot Streak Continues — Fresh off a life-changing Zurich Classic victory alongside brother Matt (which earned him PGA Tour membership through 2028 and entry into this event), the Englishman posted a roller-coaster even-par 72 in Round 1 but exploded with a bogey-free 6-under 66 in Round 2. He sits at 6-under overall (T6), riding excellent momentum with clean ball-striking and clutch putting. Fitzpatrick’s run highlights his rapid rise and ability to compete at the highest level.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler Rebounds Strongly — Scheffler endured a slower start with a 1-under 71 in Round 1 but surged back with a bogey-free 5-under 67 in Round 2. He gained significant ground with improved iron play (hitting 15 greens) and moved into the top 10. Known for his weekend heroics and leading the Tour in later-round scoring, Scheffler remains a major threat despite the deficit — he has only two bogeys through 36 holes and excels when he finds his rhythm.
“I definitely need to not get further away,” Scheffler said. “No, it depends on how the golf course is playing. All I can do is go out there and be committed to what I need to do and that’s pretty much it.”
