2026 The American Express Preview and Free Pick

Last Updated on January 13, 2026 10:17 am by Erwin Noguera

The PGA Tour heads west for The American Express, traditionally one of the early-season events that set the tone for players seeking momentum before the bigger swing events and tournaments.

The start of the golf season is always a special moment: new hopes, fitness levels yet to be discovered, and the first steps taken by the big names towards what could become a historic year.

The event, from January 19 to 25 at La Quinta Country Club and its associated complex of courses, combines tradition, spectacle, and an environment that is hard to match. It is not just a championship, but a social event that perfectly defines why Greater Palm Springs is nicknamed the Golf Capital of the West. With more than 110 courses in the area, clear skies practically all year round, and a relaxed atmosphere where the public can approach the players at the end of the rounds, this tournament maintains a unique character that few other events on the circuit possess.

At Gambyl Exchange, you can explore all golf predictions, the final bets, and the odds.

2026 The American Express Betting Odds and Info

2026 The American Express Details

The 2026 edition comes with an obvious sporting attraction: Scottie Scheffler, world number one and four-time PGA TOUR Player of the Year, will once again make his regular-season debut right here, a tradition he had maintained for five consecutive years before missing out in 2025 due to a hand injury.

The news of his presence came as no surprise to anyone on the PGA Tour, especially since Scheffler has a close history with this tournament and has traditionally chosen to start his competitive season under the California sky. After a short but consistent preseason (with three appearances after the TOUR Championship, including the Ryder Cup and a T4 at the Hero World Challenge), the American returns to 2026 in a dominant position: he has won three of his last five appearances in official PGA TOUR events, setting the bar extremely high for the other contenders.

That doesn’t mean the rest of the field is uninteresting, though. Since the beginning of winter, the tournament organizers have been confirming big names: major champions Brian Harman and Wyndham Clark, defending champion Sepp Straka, Californian Rickie Fowler, one of the local crowd’s favorites, and the always intriguing Akshay Bhatia, representative of the young, aggressive golf that characterizes the new wave of the tour.

Greater Palm Springs

Greater Palm Springs is more than just a tourist destination. For many professionals, January in the California desert means pleasant weather, consistent green speeds, and an opportunity to fine-tune their game without the intense pressure of the majors.

This relaxed environment has two sides to it. On the one hand, it favors fine-tuning, but on the other, it penalizes a lack of rhythm: the courses here tend to reward players who attack the flags from the start, take advantage of par 5s, and can maintain a high level of birdies per round. Historically, The American Express is a tournament where the winner often exceeds −20 or even −25, so it’s not enough to play solidly: you have to score low.

Another ingredient that enhances the experience is the close contact with fans. The layout of the courses and the local culture make the players more accessible to the public, especially at the end of the rounds, when autographs and greetings become almost part of the tournament ritual.

2026 The American Express Betting Picks

With odds yet to be announced, the analysis should focus on winning archetypes and recent trends.

Scottie Scheffler appears to be the logical favorite: he starts the season with little wear and tear, is coming off a convincing finish to the year, and tends to adapt well to tournaments where you have to string together birdies. If his putting feels decent, his competitive ceiling is higher than the rest.

Patrick Cantlay and Tony Finau represent the ideal profile for this type of event: consistency from tee to green, an aggressive mindset, and the ability to read fast greens. Both have proven that their winter form is usually reliable.

Sam Burns and Wyndham Clark are intriguing options in the top 10/top 20 markets, as both produce numerous birdie opportunities and excel in low-scoring environments. Clark, moreover, is bolstered by recent competitive experience.

Akshay Bhatia is a name to watch if the odds offer value: his bold style, with a high percentage of winning shots, can transform normal rounds into -7 days if he finds his rhythm with the irons.

The American Express Podium Pick