World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler begins his 2026 campaign at The American Express in La Quinta, California, where he enters as the clear favorite amid a strong field. The tournament, running January 22-25 across three courses, features a $9.2 million purse and players aiming to make early statements. Betting models highlight value in props like Patrick Cantlay for a top-10 finish and Ludvig Åberg as top European.
The American Express 2026 marks the PGA Tour's return to the mainland after the Sony Open, teeing off Thursday at the Pete Dye Stadium Course in La Quinta, California. Scottie Scheffler, absent from last year's event due to a hand injury, headlines the field as the +300 favorite according to DraftKings odds. The four-time PGA Tour Player of the Year has focused on endurance improvements after a dominant 2025, where he secured six victories in his final 12 starts. Scheffler has four top-25 finishes in five prior appearances here, though he has yet to win.
The event rotates across the Pete Dye Stadium Course (par 72, 7,210 yards), Nicklaus Tournament Course, and La Quinta Country Club, with a 54-hole cut before the final round on the Stadium Course. Ben Griffin (+2000) follows as the next favorite, fresh off a top-20 at the Sony Open. Other contenders include Ludvig Åberg (+2200), who enters his third full PGA Tour season after a strong late-2025 surge, and Sam Burns (+2500), seeking his first stroke-play win in over three years.
European players like Robert MacIntyre (+2500), ranked sixth globally, and Matt Fitzpatrick (+3500) add depth. MacIntyre recently posted a final-round 63 at the Sony Open despite snapping his putter in frustration. Reigning champion Sepp Straka (+3500) aims to defend his 25-under title from 2025.
SportsLine's simulation model, which has nailed 16 majors, projects Patrick Cantlay (+290 for top 10) to finish inside the top 10, citing his three such results in five recent American Express starts and strong FedExCup Playoffs finish. It also backs Åberg (+600) as top European and Fitzpatrick (+750) for a top-five, based on his late-2025 form with four top-10s in six events.
Several players seek rebounds: Max Homa returns to swing coach Mark Blackburn after a down 2025; Will Zalatoris debuts post-back surgery; and Nick Dunlap, the 2024 amateur winner here, addresses driving issues with new coach Scott Hamilton. The tournament's low-scoring nature favors birdie-makers, setting the stage for an exciting opener.
