American Express PGA - That might do nicely!
The 2026 PGA Tour season heads to California this week for The American Express. Scottie Scheffler will make his seasonal debut and play alongside the others across three distinct courses—the Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club, and the host Pete Dye Stadium Course. This Pro-Am event is a unique fixture on the golf calendar.
With a 156-player field and a 54-hole cut, the tournament is famous for yielding unpredictable, low-scoring results - largely as a result of the setup for the wealthy and famous amateurs that will be taking part. The first time I heard the expression “Dome Golf” it was in relation to this event, where the combination of weather, wealth, layout, setup, pandering, and general ambience suggests a course that exists inside a giant leisure centre! In La Quinta, golfers are greeted by “Chamber of Commerce” weather: virtually no wind, clear desert skies, and stable temperatures. Combined with the accessible Pro-Am setup—featuring minimal rough and receptive greens—the courses become a “birdie-fest.” In these conditions, traditional skill gaps narrow, and the tournament essentially becomes a putting contest. To remain competitive, players must maintain an aggressive mindset; a $4$-under-par round can often see a golfer drop down the leaderboard.
Four of the last seven winners have been anywhere from 150-to-500-1 longshots. Nick Dunlap won here in 2024 as an amateur. Scheffler has been a regular member of the field here lately, but hasn’t ever won here and even missed the cut in 2021.
The top 65-players and ties will make the cut after 54-holes. The Stadium Course will host Sunday’s final round. Each of the three courses is a relatively short Par 72. Pin positions are very accessible, the greens run slower than usual, and there is very little rough to speak of.
The essentials of this tournament are truly basic… hit good drives, hit greens in regulation, make a lot of putts. In my mind, however, I think that control of the big Par 5s is essential so that you’re not dropping strokes - and making your Birdies on the par 4s is going to be the key.
Notably absent is Justin Thomas, who is recovering from back surgery (microdiscectomy) performed in late 2025. While he has recently shared videos of himself taking full swings, he has not yet set a definitive date for his return to competition. Also away is Xander Schauffele, who is sitting out this week but is expected to make his 2026 debut next week at the Farmers Insurance Open in his hometown of San Diego.
It is interesting to note that 15 of the last 17 American Express winners have played at least one of the previous weeks in Hawaii. This early in the season, it seems having a few rounds under one’s belt has proven helpful here in the desert.
As you know, I back my golf selections on Betfair,
