The American Express has been a PGA Tour event in California since 1960. From its start to 2012, the tournament had five rounds of competition and was famous for its celebrity pro-am. Some celebrities who played in this tournament included Frank Sinatra, Samuel L. Jackson and former Presidents Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush.
In 2012, the tournament switched to a four-round competition played on three golf courses. Each player plays one round on each course, with the cut coming after Saturday’s round. The final round is played at the Pete Dye Stadium course at PGA West.
Nick Dunlap won this event in 2024 to become the first amateur to win on the PGA Tour since 1991. Dunlap’s total score of 259 (-29) is the tournament scoring record. Last year, Sepp Straka defeated Justin Thomas by two strokes to claim the first of his two wins during the 2025 season.
About The American Express Golf Courses
The Pete Dye Stadium Course plays just over 7,200 yards as a par 72. The course record is held by Patrick Cantlay, who shot a 61 during the 2021 tournament to finish second overall, one stroke back of the leader.
La Quinta Country Club plays just over 7,000 yards as a par 72. The course record is held by Adam Hadwin, who shot 59 during the 2017 tournament. The Nicklaus Tournament Course plays just over 7,100 as a par 72. The course record is 61 shared by Will Zalatoris (2022) and Sam Burns (2024).
Who to Watch at the 2026 American Express
The field is highlighted by defending champion Straka, Scottie Scheffler, Matt Fitzpatrick and Luke Clanton. We predict Sam Burns will win the 2026 American Express. In a tournament where players need to make birdies, Burns and his putting will keep him atop the leaderboard. He has four top-20 finishes that includes two T6 finishes in his previous appearances at PGA West.
How to Watch the 2026 American Express
You can watch coverage of the 2026 American Express on the Golf Channel and the NBC Sports App during the following windows. All times below are ET.
Thursday, January 22: 7:00pm-10:00pm ET on Golf Channel and the NBC Sports App
Friday, January 23: 7:00pm-10:00pm ET on Golf Channel and the NBC Sports App
Saturday, January 24: 7:00pm-10:00pm ET on Golf Channel and the NBC Sports App
Sunday, January 25: 7:00pm-10:00pm ET on Golf Channel and the NBC Sports App
