What Happened to Trump National Doral Miami?

Trump National Doral Miami, originally known as the Doral Country Club, was founded in 1962 by Alfred Kaskel and quickly established itself as a premier golf destination, hosting the Doral Open on the PGA Tour for decades. The property changed hands several times before entering bankruptcy in early 2011.

In February 2012, the Trump Organization purchased the Doral Resort & Spa out of bankruptcy for $150 million, subsequently renaming it Trump National Doral Miami. Donald Trump initiated a massive $250 million renovation project from 2013 to 2016, aiming to restore the resort to its former glory, which included significant upgrades to its four championship golf courses, notably the iconic Blue Monster, as well as guest rooms, dining, and event spaces. This investment was partly financed by a $125 million loan from Deutsche Bank.

However, the resort faced financial difficulties in the years following the renovation. Reports in 2019 indicated a 'steep decline' in its financial performance, with net operating income falling by 69% from $13.8 million in 2015 to $4.3 million in 2017. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further exacerbated these challenges, leading to temporary closures and a significant drop in revenue, from $77.2 million in 2019 to $44.2 million in 2020. In 2022, Axos Financial refinanced the $125 million mortgage held by Deutsche Bank.

A key turning point for the resort's future came in January 2025, when the Doral City Council approved the Trump Organization's plans for a substantial $3 billion luxury condo and commercial development on 56.4 acres of the property, not impacting the golf courses. This project, expected to begin construction in phases in 2025, includes nearly 1,500 condos in 20-story towers and townhouses, signaling a major expansion into residential real estate. The resort's estimated value also saw a significant increase, tripling to $149 million by April 2024, according to Forbes.

In a significant return to its golf heritage, the PGA Tour announced in August 2025 that it would bring a new 'Signature Event,' the Cadillac Championship, back to the Blue Monster course in 2026, marking the Tour's return after a decade-long absence. This event was successfully held from April 30 to May 3, 2026. Furthermore, in September 2025, it was announced that Trump National Doral Miami would host the 2026 G20 Summit, underscoring its renewed prominence on the international stage. As of May 2026, the resort continues to host high-profile events, leading to requests for state funding to cover local police overtime for security. A 15-foot golden statue of Donald Trump, named 'Don Colossus,' was also erected on display at the resort in 2026.