The 2026 The American Express, the second event on the PGA Tour schedule, features a $9.2 million purse with the winner earning $1,656,000. The 156-player field, headlined by Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley, will compete January 22-25 at PGA West's Stadium Course and two other venues in Palm Springs, California. Defending champion Sepp Straka returns amid a strong contingent including 27 of the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
The 2026 The American Express marks the PGA Tour's second tournament of the year, following its traditional slot as a full-field event in the mainland United States. Scheduled for January 22-25, the competition rotates across three courses in Palm Springs, California, with the primary venue being PGA West's Stadium Course. This setup highlights the event's unique format, drawing top talent early in the season.
A 156-player field has been finalized after the entry deadline, featuring prominent names such as world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Russell Henley, Tony Finau, Justin Rose, and Robert MacIntyre. Sepp Straka, who claimed victory in the previous edition, defends his title. Notably, 27 players from the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking are in contention, underscoring the event's competitive depth. No Monday qualifiers are included, and alternates like Hayden Springer and Henrik Norlander stand ready for any withdrawals.
The total purse stands at $9.2 million, distributed according to the PGA Tour's standard chart, with 18 percent—$1,656,000—going to the champion. A cut after 54 holes will advance the top 65 players and ties to the final round, ensuring all finishers receive payouts. If more than 65 advance, the purse adjusts accordingly.
Beyond financial rewards, the winner secures 500 FedEx Cup points and 51 Official World Golf Ranking points, based on field strength. Additional perks include a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour, plus entry into the Masters, PGA Championship, and The Players Championship. This early-season stop offers players a chance to build momentum with substantial incentives on the line.
