The American Express Tips

Scheffler is scheduled to make his 2026 PGA TOUR debut here, and that “fresh, elite baseline” often wins at PGA West when the scoring gets low. With big names like Justin Rose and Matt Fitzpatrick also in the field, it won’t be easy. But if Scottie’s ball-striking is anywhere near normal, he’s the most likely champion by Sunday.

Finished on scores of 17, 24, and 19 under in the last three seasons in this tournament. Hit 64s three times across the previous two years (eight under) and finished top ten in his last two.

Russell Henley had a run-out last week and might well be one who needed that after a few weeks off. He has the game to suit here, had a fine season last year, and can give us a big effort here.

Finished off the Sony Open in great fettle and on 15, looking at the leaderboard, he was only two shots behind, only for Gotterrup to pull away. He was impressive on the greens, holing long putts that were not easy, to say the least. I think Rob can win a couple on the PGA Tour this year, and this one would be his first.

Patrick Cantlay was a top-five finisher last year and has four top tens in the last six years. That is solid form and can give us a big run again this week.

Scores of 22, 25, and 14 across his last three performances in this tournament. Potentially just the one bad round last year cost him another very high score. Best round of the tournament across the three years was a 61 (11 under).

Si Woo Kim is always at his best on shorter courses where accurate approach play and strong putting are key. His win here in 2021 emphasizes that. Bermudagrass also brings out the best in him, with many of his best performances coming on it. He was in good form last time at the Sony Open, where he came 11th, but he ranked top in Tee to Green stats. That should stand him in good stead this weekend.

Just Rose will be looking to start the year off in the same manner as when he finished. He finished his last event in 6th place. He could be up with the front runners.

13th and 18th in his last two tournaments, and Nick Taylor was 13th last week in the Sony Open in Hawaii, where he did have a share of the lead. Last year he was 12th in the American Express, and I do think the Canadian can have another good week.

Ryan Gerard finished last season well with a 2nd at the Mauritius Open. He followed that up last week with another 2nd place at the Sony Open. His game is clearly in good shape, so I think he'll go well again.

Missed the cut last year, but hit 22 here to take 11th back in 2023 and placed 2nd on 28 the year after, just one shot off Nick Dunlap.

The American was 31st last week in the Sony Open in Hawaii, and I do think he can have a good week at the American Express. Two years ago he was 6th in this tournament, and I think Michael Kim will have a good week.

Max Homa was 9th in his last start on the PGA Tour, and I do think he will play well in The American Express. He has won several times on tour and can make a lot of birdies. He was 21st here last time he played, and I think he has a real chance this week.

The left-hander can make a lot of birdies, and he has played well in The American Express more than once. He was 11th in 2016 and has since had three top-eight finishes in this tournament, and he was third twice. I do think Brian Harman is a good pick this week.