The American Express, a cornerstone of the PGA Tour’s early-season West Coast Swing, is preparing for its 67th edition in 2026. Known for its unique combination of world-class professional golf, a high-stakes pro-am format, and a festival-like atmosphere featuring top-tier musical acts, the event has become one of the most anticipated stops in the Coachella Valley. Taking place from January 19 to January 25, 2026, the tournament continues its tradition of excellence across three legendary golf courses in La Quinta, California.

For golf enthusiasts and casual fans alike, The American Express—often simply called "The Amex"—offers an experience that few other tournaments can match. It blends the competitive intensity of the PGA Tour with the scenic beauty of the desert and the excitement of a live concert series. As the professional field begins to take shape, early commitments from major champions and defending titleholders suggest that 2026 will be a historic year for this desert classic.

Core Tournament Details and 2026 Schedule

The 2026 American Express is scheduled for January 19–25. While the practice rounds and early community events begin at the start of the week, the competitive rounds occur from Thursday, January 22, through Sunday, January 25.

The tournament features a field of 156 professional golfers competing alongside 156 amateurs. This pro-am component is central to the event’s identity, harkening back to its roots as the Bob Hope Desert Classic. Unlike most standard PGA Tour events where the cut occurs after 36 holes, The American Express utilizes a 54-hole cut. This ensures that every professional and amateur pair gets to play one round on each of the three host courses before the final round is contested by the top-performing professionals on the Sunday.

Key Dates for the 2026 Event

  • January 19-21: Player arrivals, practice rounds, and community activations.
  • Thursday, Jan. 22: Round 1 (Three-course rotation begins).
  • Friday, Jan. 23: Round 2 (Concert series night one featuring Old Dominion).
  • Saturday, Jan. 24: Round 3 (54-hole cut is determined; Concert series night two featuring OneRepublic).
  • Sunday, Jan. 25: Final Round (Exclusively at the PGA WEST Stadium Course).

The purse for the event is expected to remain highly competitive, following the $9.2 million mark set in previous years, ensuring a high-stakes environment for the players vying for the FedExCup points.

The Three-Course Rotation: A Test of Versatility

One of the most distinctive aspects of The American Express is the requirement for players to master three different layouts over the first three days. Each course offers a unique set of challenges, from tight, tree-lined fairways to expansive water hazards and undulating greens.

PGA WEST Pete Dye Stadium Course

The Stadium Course serves as the primary host and the site of the final round. Designed by the legendary Pete Dye, it is consistently ranked among the toughest courses in the United States. Inspired by the tactical demands of TPC Sawgrass, the Stadium Course features deep bunkers, massive water carries, and the infamous 17th hole known as "Alcatraz." This par-3 features an island green that often determines the winner of the tournament on Sunday. For spectators, the Stadium Course offers the most dramatic viewing points, particularly around the 17th and 18th holes.

PGA WEST Nicklaus Tournament Course

The Nicklaus Tournament Course is often seen as a "player’s course." While it provides more generous fairways than the Stadium Course, it requires precision on approach shots to navigate its elevated greens and strategic bunkering. It is a par-72 layout that allows for aggressive scoring, making it a favorite for players looking to climb the leaderboard early in the week.

La Quinta Country Club

Steeped in tradition, La Quinta Country Club offers a more classic desert golf experience. It is known for its immaculate conditioning and narrow, palm-tree-lined corridors. Historically, this course has yielded some of the lowest scores in tournament history, provided players can handle its fast, subtle greens. Many veteran pros prefer the "old school" feel of this venue, which provides a stark contrast to the more modern, penal designs at PGA WEST.

Analyzing the 2026 Professional Field

As of December 2025, several high-profile players have already committed to the 2026 field, signaling a high level of competition. The tournament director has confirmed that major champions and top-10 world-ranked players will be headlining the event.

Wyndham Clark, the 2023 U.S. Open champion, is among the early commitments. Known for his power off the tee and exceptional putting, Clark’s game is well-suited for the desert conditions where low scoring is a necessity. Joining him is Brian Harman, the 2023 Open Champion, whose precision and short-game wizardry make him a perennial threat on the tighter layouts like La Quinta Country Club.

The defending champion, Sepp Straka, is also set to return. Straka’s victory in 2025 was marked by a clinical performance on the greens, finishing at 25-under par. His return to defend the title adds a layer of narrative intrigue, as few players have managed to go back-to-back in the desert. Other notable commitments include Southern California native Rickie Fowler, who remains one of the most popular figures in the sport, and rising stars like Ben Griffin and Akshay Bhatia.

The field is traditionally finalized in the weeks leading up to the event, with 156 professionals eventually taking their place in the rotation. The diversity of the field—ranging from seasoned veterans to rookie sensations—ensures that the leaderboard remains volatile throughout the week.

Fan Experience and the 2026 Concert Series

The American Express has evolved into a full-scale entertainment event. For many attendees, the action on the golf course is only half the draw. The 2026 Concert Series is set to continue the tradition of bringing world-class music to the Coachella Valley.

Live Music Schedule

  • Friday, January 23: Old Dominion. The multi-platinum country music group is known for their high-energy performances and hits like "One Man Band" and "Make It Sweet." Their style perfectly complements the relaxed, sun-drenched atmosphere of the tournament.
  • Saturday, January 24: OneRepublic. The Grammy-nominated pop-rock band, led by Ryan Tedder, will take the stage following the conclusion of the third round. With a catalog of global hits like "Counting Stars" and "Apologize," they are expected to draw a massive crowd to the PGA WEST driving range.

Access to these concerts is included with the purchase of a Friday or Saturday ticket, making it one of the best values in professional sports. The concerts begin shortly after the final putt drops each day, allowing fans to transition seamlessly from the gallery to the stage.

On-Course Activations

Beyond the music, the tournament features several fan-favorite venues:

  • Michelob ULTRA Beers Fore Birdies: Located at the 17th hole of the Stadium Course, this venue offers a lively atmosphere where beer prices are discounted every time a professional makes a birdie on "Alcatraz."
  • The Turn: A centralized social hub between the 1st tee and 9th green of the Stadium Course, featuring local food vendors, large-screen TVs, and interactive games.
  • Bushmills Irish Whiskey Lounge: A premium spot for fans to enjoy specialized cocktails while overlooking some of the most pivotal holes on the course.

Ticketing Options and Amex Member Benefits

For those planning to attend, understanding the different ticket tiers is essential for maximizing the experience. As the title sponsor, American Express provides significant perks to its card members.

General Admission and Grounds Passes

Grounds passes grant access to all three golf courses and the public fan zones. These are the most flexible tickets, allowing fans to walk the fairways with their favorite groups or find a stationary spot at a signature hole. All grounds passes for Friday and Saturday include admission to that evening's concert.

Clubhouse and Champions Club

For a more elevated experience, the Clubhouse ticket offers access to the PGA WEST Stadium Clubhouse, including air-conditioned spaces and upgraded food and beverage options.

The Champions Club is the ultimate hospitality tier. Located overlooking the 18th green of the Stadium Course, it provides a premium open bar, hosted breakfast and lunch, and the best views of the tournament's finishing moments. Champions Club ticket holders also receive preferred parking and VIP access to the concert series.

American Express Card Member Perks

Card members who use their American Express card to purchase tickets typically receive a 20% discount. Additionally, there are often card-member-only lounges on-site that provide complimentary snacks, water, and a place to relax in the shade.

Logistics: Parking, Shuttles, and Accessibility

Attending a tournament spread across three courses requires some planning. The primary spectator parking (often referred to as the "P Lot") is located on Jefferson Street in La Quinta. From there, a continuous shuttle service transports fans to the entrances of both PGA WEST and La Quinta Country Club.

Parking typically costs around $25 per day, and it is highly recommended to purchase parking passes in advance, as they often sell out for the popular Friday and Saturday rounds. Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft also have a designated drop-off and pick-up point at the Jefferson Street lot.

The tournament is notably supportive of the military. Active duty, reserve, retired, and veteran military members are frequently offered complimentary tickets, though these must be redeemed in advance through the official tournament website and are subject to availability.

The Heritage and Charitable Impact of the Event

While the name and sponsors have changed over the decades, the soul of the tournament remains rooted in its history as the Bob Hope Desert Classic. Founded in 1960, the event was synonymous with celebrity culture for decades, with Bob Hope himself serving as the host.

Today, that spirit of giving continues through the "Impact Through Golf" foundation. Since its inception, the tournament has generated over $67 million for non-profit organizations in the Coachella Valley. These funds support a wide range of local causes, including health and wellness, education, homelessness prevention, and youth sports. When fans attend The American Express, they are participating in a tradition that provides vital resources to the surrounding community.

How to Watch The American Express from Home

For those who cannot make it to La Quinta in person, the tournament receives extensive television and streaming coverage.

  • Golf Channel: Provides daily afternoon coverage (typically 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM ET).
  • ESPN+: Offers comprehensive streaming through PGA Tour Live. This includes "Main Feed" coverage, "Marquee Groups," and "Featured Holes." This is often the best way to see early-morning play before the television broadcast begins.
  • SiriusXM: Provides live radio coverage for those on the go, featuring hole-by-hole commentary and interviews.

What is the 54-hole cut format?

Unlike standard tournaments where half the field is sent home on Friday, The American Express keeps all 156 pros and 156 amateurs in the field through Saturday. This ensures that every amateur participant gets to play each of the three courses once. After the third round is completed on Saturday evening, the "cut" is made. Only the top 65 professionals (and ties) advance to the Sunday final round. The amateurs do not play on Sunday; their competition concludes on Saturday.

Which course is best for spectators?

While all three courses have their charms, the PGA WEST Stadium Course is the most spectator-friendly. The mounding along the fairways acts as natural stadium seating, providing excellent sightlines for thousands of fans. The 17th hole "Alcatraz" is the undisputed "place to be" for those looking for excitement and a loud, stadium-like atmosphere. However, if you prefer a quieter experience and want to be closer to the players, La Quinta Country Club on Thursday or Friday offers a more intimate setting with fewer crowds.

Can I attend the concerts without a golf ticket?

No, the concerts are an integrated part of the tournament experience. There are no "concert-only" tickets. You must purchase a Friday or Saturday golf ticket (Grounds, Clubhouse, or Champions Club) to gain entry to the concert that evening. The concerts are held on the driving range at PGA WEST and are standing-room only for general admission ticket holders.

Summary of the 2026 American Express

The American Express 2026 promises to be a premier highlight of the PGA Tour season. With its unique three-course rotation, a star-studded field including defending champion Sepp Straka, and a world-class concert series featuring Old Dominion and OneRepublic, it offers something for every type of fan. Whether you are there for the tactical brilliance of the pros at the Stadium Course, the nostalgic charm of La Quinta Country Club, or the vibrant atmosphere of the "Alcatraz" island green, the tournament remains a must-see event. By combining elite sports with significant community charity work, The Amex continues to be a gold standard for professional golf in the desert.

FAQ

What are the dates for the 2026 American Express golf tournament? The tournament will take place from January 19 to January 25, 2026, with competitive play starting on Thursday, January 22.

Who won the American Express golf tournament in 2025? Sepp Straka won the 2025 tournament with a score of 25-under par, finishing two strokes ahead of the runner-up.

Where is the American Express golf tournament located? The event is held in La Quinta, California, at PGA WEST (Stadium and Nicklaus Tournament courses) and La Quinta Country Club.

How much are tickets for The American Express 2026? Ticket prices vary based on the day and tier, but general admission usually starts around $60-$85. American Express card members receive a 20% discount on most ticket types.

Is there a bag policy for the tournament? Yes, like all PGA Tour events, there is a strict clear-bag policy. Small clutch purses and clear plastic bags are allowed, but large backpacks and opaque bags are generally prohibited.