The American Express Kicks Off the PGA Tour Season
In La Quinta, California, the PGA Tour season is set to kick off with The American Express, showcasing one of the largest fields in regular tour events this year, featuring 156 competitors. Among them is Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked golfer, who is eager to measure his readiness as he faces off against a formidable lineup, including 13 players from the world’s top 30. The event will be held across three courses, with the Nicklaus and Palmer tournament courses in PGA West and La Quinta Country Club leading the way.
Scottie Scheffler’s Preparation
Scheffler, coming off an offseason filled with unofficial competitions, has prepared by assessing his game and refining any necessary aspects. Although he amassed six PGA Tour titles last year, including two majors, he hasn’t achieved a top-10 finish at The American Express since his inaugural appearance in 2020.
“I enjoy this event as it offers a clear view of my performance, especially since the conditions here are favorable for scoring,”
Scheffler remarked, indicating his enthusiasm for starting the season in the California desert.
A Strong Field and Tournament Rust
This year, The American Express is also notable for being the strongest field seen in over 20 years, attracting many players eager to get back into competitive form after the offseason. However, former U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark noted that many are dealing with “tournament rust,” acknowledging that practice sessions don’t fully replicate the competition experience. With the cancellation of the popular Kapalua event due to a water dispute, players like Clark have transitioned to La Quinta for their season debut.
“I prefer Kapalua for its relaxed atmosphere and beauty, but La Quinta offers both guaranteed rounds and ideal weather, helping us to evaluate our readiness,”
he noted, highlighting the appeal of this tournament despite his earlier preferences.
Other Competitors and the Tournament’s Significance
Justin Rose, who participated in a unique competition recently, and Ludvig Aberg, who has been training in Florida after the European Tour’s season finale, are also gearing up for the new season. The picturesque setting of La Quinta, known for its manicured greens and favorable playing conditions, provides a stark contrast to previous season starts.
Sepp Straka, the defending champion, will aim for a strong showing as the tournament marks the 50th anniversary of Johnny Miller’s back-to-back wins. Straka himself enjoyed a significant year following his victory, including participation in the Ryder Cup. Meanwhile, Aberg, reflecting on his own ups and downs from the previous season, looks forward to the competition saying,
“I’m excited to experience the adrenaline again, and starting here is perfect for that.”
With a promising field and ideal conditions, The American Express is set to hold an exciting start to the PGA Tour season.
