World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler claimed a commanding four-shot victory at the 2026 American Express, finishing at 27-under par to earn $1.656 million and 500 FedExCup points. The win marks his 20th PGA Tour title and first of the season, placing him alongside Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus as one of only three players to secure four majors and 20 Tour wins before age 30. Jason Day surged with an 8-under final round to tie for second alongside Ryan Gerard, Matt McCarty and Andrew Putnam.
The 2026 American Express, the second event of the PGA Tour season held at PGA West in La Quinta, California, featured a $9.2 million purse and intense competition among top players. Scottie Scheffler, starting the final round one shot behind leader Si Woo Kim, pulled ahead with a 6-under 66, highlighted by nine birdies in the first 16 holes. His rounds totaled 63-64-68-66, securing the title on the Pete Dye Stadium Course.
Si Woo Kim, who had rejected a LIV Golf offer and led after 54 holes at 22-under, faltered with an even-par final round, dropping to a tie for sixth at 22-under with Sam Stevens and earning $322,000. Eighteen-year-old rookie Blades Brown, fresh from high school and coming off a Korn Ferry Tour event, impressed with a second-round 60—just missing a 59—and tied for the lead after 54 holes. Brown finished tied for 18th at 19-under, pocketing $117,606.66. "I’m having fun out there," Brown said Saturday. "I’m 18 years old playing on the PGA TOUR. How awesome is that? I finished high school about two weeks ago, so it’s nice to have that burden off my back, but I’m really looking forward to tomorrow."
Jason Day's 8-under 64 propelled him from tied for 20th to tied for second at 23-under, earning $616,400. Ryan Gerard climbed 13 spots with a 7-under final round, while Matt McCarty and Andrew Putnam, the latter rebounding from an even-par opener with a 12-under second round, joined the group. Other notables included Wyndham Clark and Patrick Cantlay tied for 13th at 20-under ($169,740 each), and Rickie Fowler tied for 18th.
Scheffler's victory pushed his career earnings past $100 million, trailing only Woods and Rory McIlroy on the all-time PGA Tour money list. The event showcased emerging talents like Brown amid established stars, setting an exciting tone for the season ahead.
