Get ready for a golf showdown like no other! The American Express is here, and it’s not just another PGA TOUR event—it’s a unique spectacle where pros and amateurs team up across three stunning courses in California’s Coachella Valley. But here’s where it gets controversial: could this tournament’s outdoor setup actually rival the controlled conditions of indoor golf leagues like TGL? Let’s dive in.
Kicking off this Thursday, The American Express promises picture-perfect weather—the kind that makes you wish every day could be this flawless. But don’t let the calm fool you; this tournament is anything but predictable. With 156 golfers paired alongside amateurs, the event spans three courses: the Pete Dye Stadium Course, the Nicklaus Tournament Course, and La Quinta Country Club. Each golfer plays one round on each course before the cut, and then it’s a solo sprint to the finish on the Stadium Course for the final round.
And this is the part most people miss: while the tournament is known for its low-scoring averages—thanks to three par-72 courses that practically beg for birdies and eagles—it’s not just about who can sink the most putts. The recent renovation of the Stadium Course has turned it into a beast, with scoring averages spiking to 71.348 last year, a full two strokes tougher than previous editions. Meanwhile, the Nicklaus and La Quinta courses remain as forgiving as ever, with averages hovering around 68. So, which course do you want in your third round? The answer might surprise you.
Here’s the twist: if wind decides to crash the party later in the week, drawing the Stadium Course in the third round could actually be a blessing in disguise. Why? Because pros find it harder to go low on easier courses in windy conditions than to grind out pars on tougher tracks. It’s counterintuitive, but it’s golf—and that’s why we love it.
For the amateurs, the courses are as welcoming as ever. Greens are kept at a manageable 11 ½ feet on the Stimpmeter, and the rough rarely exceeds 2 inches. Yardages remain consistent with last year, with the Stadium Course stretching to 7,210 yards, the Nicklaus Course at 7,147, and La Quinta at 7,060. Greens sizes scale with course length, so expect some massive targets on the Stadium Course—about 30% larger than pre-renovation.
But here’s the real question: with such a unique format and unpredictable conditions, who will rise to the top? Will it be a seasoned pro who thrives under pressure, or an amateur who catches fire at just the right moment? And more importantly, does this tournament’s blend of challenge and accessibility set a new standard for future events?
Let’s hear your thoughts! Do you think The American Express is the future of golf tournaments, or is it just a fun anomaly? Drop your take in the comments below—we’re all ears!
