Sign up for our daily newsletter

Latest news, reviews, analysis and opinion, plus unmissable deals for bunkered subscriptions, events, and our commercial partners.

It’s a second consecutive week on the PGA Tour without a defending champion.

The American Express will be without last year’s victor Jon Rahm following his exit to LIV Golf last month, but a strong field will compete, nonetheless.

And it’s a unique event, as three courses are in play to decide the winner, with Patrick Cantlay, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele all set to return after a week off.

Two names further down the Official Golf World Rankings (OWGR) will make eye-catching appearances, too.

Michael Block earned his place in the event after winning the PGA of Southern California’s section championship last September, while Daniel Berger makes his first PGA Tour start since the 2022 U.S. Open.

Previously known for its celebrity Pro-Am, the tournament formerly had five rounds of competition until its format changed in 2012.

Before that, the winning score reached a high of 36-under-par, courtesy of Joe Durant in 2021, while Patrick Reed’s 28-under-par effort in 2014 is yet to be bettered.

Here is everything you need to know…

• Trump Turnberry: Further Ailsa changes in the pipeline

• Jack Nicklaus makes Tiger Woods major prediction

The American Express details

Course: Pete Dye Stadium Course, La Quinta CC, Nicklaus Tournament Course

Course Stats: N/A

Defending Champion: Jon Rahm

Purse: $8,400,000

Winner’s Share: $1,440,000

The American Express betting tips

Here’s how the bookies have the field priced this week…

Scottie Scheffler 11/2

Patrick Cantlay 10/1

Xander Schauffele 12/1

Sungjae Im 20/1

Tom Kim 25/1

Justin Thomas 25/1

J.T. Poston 33/1

Sam Burns 33/1

The bunkered Bet

Tom Kim 25/1

A 6th place finish in this event last year, including a 62 on Friday, will be of comfort to the 21-year-old this week. His three PGA Tour wins have all come with scores of 20-under-par or better, so this birdie-fest should suit again.

Please gamble responsibly.

• Tour pros respond to R&A chief’s surprise exit

• Matt Fitzpatrick reacts to Keith Pelley’s departure