The PGA Tour heads to the mainland as The American Express takes center stage this week in Palm Springs, California. Players will navigate two courses – PGA West and La Quinta Country Club – in a three-course rotation,with a 54-hole cut determining the weekend contenders. The tournament, scheduled for January 22-25, promises a test of birdie-making ability on the par-72, 7,210-yard Pete Dye Stadium Course.
Leading the field is Scottie Scheffler, who missed the 2025 event.The world No. 1 is looking to continue his remarkable run of form, having identified his start to the season as an area for betterment after returning from a hand injury. Scheffler finished 2025 with six victories in his last 12 PGA Tour starts, a stretch that suggests a potentially unstoppable force if he can replicate that momentum.his current form – including a remarkable 31-under performance at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson – makes him the clear favorite.He’s added speed and remains the world’s best, with the question being whether he can maintain his remarkable putting stroke.
- Ben Griffin (20-1)
- Sam Burns (25-1): It’s been over three years since Burns secured a stroke-play victory on the PGA Tour. Still ranked within the top 25 of the Official World Golf Rankings, he begins his season from a comfortable position, having recorded four top-20 finishes in six starts. His putter was particularly strong throughout 2025, masking some deficiencies in his overall game.
- Ludvig Åberg (25-1): This marks Åberg’s fourth season on the PGA Tour, his third as a full-time member. The 26-year-old has consistently improved, earning a spot on Ryder Cup teams, winning on the PGA Tour, contending in majors, and securing a signature event victory last season. He experienced a mid-year lull with course management issues, but regained his form late in the season.
- Russell Henley (28-1)
- Robert MacIntyre (28-1): Currently ranked sixth in the world, MacIntyre started the year strongly with a top-five finish at the Sony open, including a closing 63. He admitted his attitude wasn’t at its best and even broke his putter due to frustration on the greens. Since October, he has a win and three other top-10 results in five worldwide starts.
- Patrick Cantlay (30-1)
- Si Woo Kim (35-1)
- Matt Fitzpatrick (40-1): A winner at the DP World Tour Championship to conclude 2025, Fitzpatrick found success in the Middle East. After a challenging start to the year, he turned things around at the PGA Championship in May and maintained his momentum, with improved iron play being a key factor.
- Taylor Pendrith (40-1)
- Scottie Scheffler is the clear favorite, aiming to build on his dominant 2025 season.
- The American express will be played across two courses at PGA West and La Quinta Country Club.
- A strong international field will challenge scheffler, including defending champion Sepp Straka and Ryder Cup teammates.
- The tournament features a $9,200,000 purse and a 54-hole cut.
