Preview and Predictions for the 2016 WGC-Cadillac Championship

The PGA Tour's Florida Swing continues with the first World Golf Championships of the season: the WGC-Cadillac Championship.

For the pros, this week presents another difficult test on the heels of a collective battering at Palm Beach Gardens' PGA National Golf Club in the Adam Scott-won Honda Classic. At more than 7,500 yards, the Blue Monster is one of the tour's most difficult par-72 tracks, and its signature 18th hole is certain to torment this week. 

Naturally, as this is a WGC tournament, the field is both limited in this no-cut event and strong, with 48 of the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking slated to tee it up this week. 

Thus, we should be in for a great show inside the ropes. And with course owner and presidential candidate Donald Trump slated to attend, there's sure to be no shortage of drama outside the ropes. 

For more on that and the full preview, click through.

Where to Watch

Eric Risberg/Associated Press

Defending Champion 

Dustin Johnson

Where

TPC Blue Monster at Trump National Doral, 7,543 yards, par-72 course

What

Total Purse: $9.5 million 

Winning Share: $1.62 million 

FedEx Points to Winner: 550

When

Thursday-Friday: 2-6 p.m. ET (Golf Channel)

Saturday-Sunday: 1-3 p.m. (GC), 3-6 p.m. (NBC)

Biggest Storylines

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The first storyline—and a reason the wider news audience will likely hear about the WGC-Cadillac Championship this week: Donald Trump. The presidential candidate—and course owner—told Golfweek he will be strolling about his fiefdom this week (h/t Miami Herald), which alone will garner headlines.

Beyond this, though, the PGA Tour suggested it won't be renewing with Mr. Trump's venue next year, as a result of the billionaire's divisive comments. Thus, the tournament is something of a lame-duck session for Trump and the tour, and you'd have to expect the Republican presidential candidate will be asked about the issue. You'd also have to expect he won't shy away from speaking his mind on the matter, which should be interesting—and potentially very awkward.

Also: Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth both missed the cut in their previous starts and are teeing it up at Doral. How the pair fare will be of great interest, as both will be keen to avoid any "he's off his game" talk as we approach the Masters. The third wheel of the tricycle, Jason Day, is playing golf too.   

First WGC event of the year, we're entering the near-major stratosphere for the first time in the 2015-16 season. Doral will feature a strong field, obviously, with 48 of the top 50 in the OWGR slated to walk its well-manicured fairways.

The Favorites

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Rory McIlroy: Coming off a narrow missed cut at the Honda Classic, McIlroy returns to a venue where he's finished inside the top 10 in four of his last five starts. Twelfth in greens in regulation and 41st in total driving, McIlroy always sets up well on paper to tackle the Blue Monster. 

Bubba Watson: Another adept driver of the golf ball poised to tackle the tour's lengthiest venue, Bubba Watson finished third here last year and second in 2014. He returns to the WGC-Cadillac Championship on the heels of a win at the Northern Trust Open. 

Dustin Johnson: Sensing a trend here? Long hitters are best suited to take on an extremely long course. Dustin Johnson is the tournament's defending champion, so he deserves a nod on those grounds alone. He finished fourth at the Northern Trust Open in his most recent start.

The Dark Horses

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Brooks Koepka: Koepka finished 17th in his maiden turn at Doral last year. He's 10th on tour in driving distance this season (as well as 10th in birdies). Koepka had a decent showing at last week's Honda Classic, where he finished 28th. Begining to look comfortable with his new equipment, Koepka could be a force this week. 

Justin Thomas: JT is making the first start of his professional career at the Blue Monster. He finished third at the Honda Classic in his most recent start, and he has plenty of power to tackle the lengthy Miami area track. Inside the top 50 in total driving and greens in regulation for the last two years and capable with his irons, Thomas could surprise in his first trip to Doral.

Prediction

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Winner: Henrik Stenson

The No. 6 golfer in the world, according to the Official World Golf Ranking and second in Golfweek's Sagarin rankings, Henrik Stenson has objectively been one of the world's best golfers over the last two years.

The Swede finished fourth at Doral last year and 16th in 2014, so he's comfortable at the track. He has top-10 finishes in his three most recent starts (on the European Tour). 

Stenson led the tour in both greens in regulation and total driving last season, both of which are key at the long, tight Blue Monster.

There's also a "he's due" factor at play here: Stenson finished second four times last season while dealing with a lingering knee injury. Now fully healthy after surgery, Stenson should play a bit better. And "a bit better" means "wins."

All stats via PGATour.com.