2026 American Express Tournament Begins in California
News Summary
The 2026 American Express kicks off this Thursday at the Pete Dye Stadium Course in La Quinta, California. World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler makes his season debut as the favorite. With a unique tournament format across three short desert courses, fans can look forward to thrilling low-scoring play. While Scheffler leads the odds, other contenders and potential underdogs emerge among the top ranks, making this event one not to miss. Join the excitement as players tee off and predictions unfold.
The 2026 American Express: A Stellar Lineup Tees Off in California
Golf enthusiasts, get ready—one of the season’s most exciting tournaments is kicking off! The 2026 American Express begins this Thursday at the renowned Pete Dye Stadium Course in La Quinta, California. This year’s tournament promises a thrilling competition, especially with the world’s No. 1 golfer, Scottie Scheffler, set to make his season debut after opting out of the Hawaii Swing. Talk about a grand entrance!
Scheffler Heads into the Tournament with High Hopes
Scottie Scheffler is stepping onto the greens as the +300 favorite to win it all. However, golf fans may remember that despite his impressive ranking, he only secured a top-10 finish once in his previous five appearances at this tournament. Will this be the year he turns that around? Only time will tell!
A Unique Format Awaits
The American Express is always a bit different, featuring three short, scorable desert courses: the PGA West Stadium Course, the La Quinta Course, and the Nicklaus Tournament Course. Over the past decade, the average winning score has hovered around an impressive 25-under par, setting the stage for a thrilling low-scoring event that fans can’t wait to witness!
Who to Watch: The Betting Favorites
While Scheffler is the clear favorite, a number of other players are looking likely to make their mark. Keep an eye on Ben Griffin, who comes in at +2000, as well as Robert MacIntyre and Russell Henley, both listed at +2200. Ludvig Åberg isn’t far behind at +2500, along with Sam Burns and Patrick Cantlay, who both sit at +2700. Chatter in the golfing community suggests that players excelling at approach shots and putting will have the upper hand here, especially since power and distance aren’t that crucial.
Underdogs to Consider
Speaking of potential surprises, experts recommend keeping a lookout for players like Harry Hall and Sepp Straka, known for their impressive scoring on shorter courses. Additionally, Golfbet’s Fantasy Insider has compiled power rankings that could offer insights for those looking to place bets or even craft their fantasy rosters.
Join the PGA Tour Experts League
For fans eager to put their knowledge to the test, the PGA Tour Experts League is now open to the public! This fun league allows fans to compete against the experts with an interesting roster setup. Players can create a team of four starters and two bench players, with each golfer being available only three times per segment. It’s time to put your golf savvy to good use!
Gambling and Predictions
While this tournament is about the game, it’s also important to foster responsible engagement. The tournament will include a system to assist those encountering issues related to gambling. On a note of intrigue, SportsLine’s proprietary model has made some surprising predictions. For instance, watch out for Sam Burns, who may struggle to finish within the top 10. On the flip side, hard as it might be to believe, Matt Fitzpatrick could surprise everyone with a solid top-four finish, despite odds of +3500.
Mark Your Calendars!
Fans will want to be ready bright and early, as the first tee times are set to blast off at 11:30 a.m. ET. And for all those eager to see the world’s best, Scheffler will be teeing off at 12:14 p.m. ET on Thursday. Will he take the spotlight right away, or will someone else catch fire?
With the excitement building, it’s almost a guarantee that this year’s American Express promises to be one for the books. So, grab your snacks, settle in, and prepare for a fantastic week of golf!
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