Fri Jan 17 21:30:00 UTC 2025: **American Express Golf Tournament Tees Off in California with Star-Studded Field and Upset Potential**
LA QUINTA, Calif. — The American Express golf tournament, the first PGA Tour event of the year in California, commenced Thursday, January 16th, at PGA West. This year’s tournament, which returns to its popular Pro-Am format, features three courses, offering players a unique challenge with minimal rough but abundant water hazards.
The tournament boasts a strong field, including eight of the world’s top 25 golfers, though notable absences include Xander Schauffele. A total of 19 players from the top 50 OWGR rankings are participating. The event culminates on Sunday with the final round played on the recently restored Pete Dye Stadium Course at PGA West, known for its challenging back nine, including the infamous island green on hole 17 (“Alcatraz”). The course features new, larger greens and improved bunkers.
The tournament is notable for its potential for upsets. Last year’s winner, Nick Dunlap, an amateur, secured a stunning victory at 400/1 odds, marking the first amateur win on the PGA Tour since 1991. His 29-under-par score was the lowest winning score since 2012. This year, several players outside the top 50, including last week’s Sony Open top-10 finishers, are considered strong contenders.
The tournament offers a $8.8 million purse, with the winner receiving $1.54 million. Coverage is available on ESPN+, NBCSports.com, the NBC Sports App, and SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio. Fans can also find updated odds and betting information at various online sportsbooks, including FanDuel and Circa Sportsbook. The tournament organizers and sportsbooks strongly encourage responsible gambling.
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