Top Picks and Odds for PGA Tour’s American Express Golf Betting
The 2026 PGA Tour season is underway, highlighted by Chris Gotterup’s impressive victory at the Sony Open, marking his third consecutive win. Gotterup triumphed with a 16-under score after firing a 64 on Sunday, outpacing Ryan Gerard, who finished in second with 14-under, and Patrick Rodgers, who ended third at 13-under. Robert MacIntyre and Jacob Bridgeman secured T4 finishes at 12-under. Davis Riley, the 54-hole leader, concluded in T6, five shots behind the winner.
Key Details About The American Express
This week, the PGA Tour moves to the Coachella Valley for The American Express. World No.1 Scottie Scheffler is priced as the favorite at 3/1 for his season debut. The field is competitive, featuring 11 players from the OWGR Top 25, but there is a significant gap in odds as Scheffler stands apart.
Odds Breakdown
- Scottie Scheffler – 3/1
- Ben Griffin – 22/1
- Ludvig Åberg – 25/1
- Robert MacIntyre – 25/1
- Russell Henley – 25/1
- Patrick Cantlay – 30/1
- Sam Burns – 35/1
- Matt Fitzpatrick – 40/1
- Defending champion Sepp Straka – 45/1
An Overview of The American Express
Established in 1960 as the Palm Springs Classic, The American Express has undergone name changes over the years, commonly referred to as the “Bob Hope” Classic from 1965 to 2011. This tournament has a rich history with notable winners like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Phil Mickelson. In 1995, it gained attention when three U.S. Presidents played alongside host Bob Hope.
The Course Rotation
This year’s event utilizes a three-course format, featuring:
- PGA West Stadium Course: Designed by Pete Dye, Par 72, 7,210 yards.
- PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course: Par 72, 7,147 yards, designed by Jack Nicklaus.
- La Quinta Country Club: Par 72, 7,060 yards, originally opened in 1959.
Each course is known for being approachable, with an expectation of low scoring. Players aiming for the title will likely need scores around 25-under or better.
Recent Tournament History
| Year | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Sepp Straka | -25 (263) |
| 2024 | Nick Dunlap | -29 (259) |
| 2023 | Jon Rahm | -27 (261) |
| 2022 | Hudson Swafford | -23 (265) |
Trends and Betting Insights
For those looking to place bets, the following trends may prove useful:
- 11 of the last 16 winners had odds of 55/1 or higher.
- 15 of the last 18 winners had played in at least one previous American Express.
- 13 of the last 17 winners had participated in the Sony Open prior to this event.
- Aging trends show a preference for younger players, with 15 of 19 winners aged 32 or younger.
Statistical Analysis
Last year’s data indicates that strong performance on approach shots is crucial. Seven of the last nine winners excelled in Strokes Gained: Approach during the tournament week.
Player Selections
- Russell Henley (25/1): Strong approach game, recent T19 finish.
- Daniel Berger (60/1): Opened the season with a T6 finish.
- Ryan Gerard (66/1): Impressive runner-up finish at the Sony Open.
- Pierceson Coody (90/1): Known for making birdies.
- Andrew Novak (150/1): Good recent form from earlier tournaments.
As the tournament unfolds, betting odds and match-up wagers will continue to evolve, making The American Express a thrilling event for golf fans and bettors alike.
