American Express Betting Guide: Scheffler's Return

The PGA Tour continues its early-season swing with The American Express, the second official stop on the calendar. This week's event presents a unique challenge with its multi-course format and a field eager to establish momentum.

The tournament draws significant attention not only for its competitive field but also for the return of Scottie Scheffler. The world's top-ranked player is making his first start of the 2026 season, creating a focal point for both fans and betting markets.

With short, scorable courses defining the layout, the event promises low scores and strategic play. This combination of factors makes The American Express a compelling early-season test and a key moment in the golf calendar.

The American Express utilizes a distinctive three-course rotation for its opening rounds. Players compete across the Stadium Course at PGA West, the Nicklaus Tournament Course, and La Quinta Country Club during the first three days of competition.

This format tests adaptability, as each layout presents different challenges despite sharing a common theme of short, scorable designs. The variety ensures that players must remain sharp and versatile to secure a position for the weekend.

Following the third round, a cut is made, and the field is reduced to the top performers who will then compete exclusively on the Stadium Course at PGA West for the final two rounds. This progression often leads to dramatic shifts in the leaderboard as the course conditions become more consistent.

• Day 1: Rotation across all three courses
• Day 2: Continued rotation through the three venues
• Day 3: Final round on the three-course rotation
• Days 4 & 5: Final rounds on the Stadium Course only

The headline story entering the week is the season debut of Scottie Scheffler. After a dominant 2025 campaign, the world number one begins his 2026 season at The American Express, a tournament he has previously skipped in recent years.

Scheffler's presence immediately elevates the prestige of the event and the interest in betting markets. His proven ability to score on shorter, strategic layouts makes him a natural fit for the conditions expected this week.

As he returns to competition, all eyes will be on his performance metrics and ability to translate practice into tournament results. His start here sets the tone for his early-season schedule and potential dominance throughout the year.

The American Express brings us short, scorable courses and Scottie Scheffler's first start.

The betting market for The American Express is heavily influenced by Scheffler's return to action. His odds reflect both his current world ranking and the uncertainty surrounding a player's first competitive start of the season.

Analysts are weighing several factors when evaluating potential wagers. The course fit is paramount, as the shorter, more strategic nature of the layouts favors players with precise iron play and strong putting—areas where Scheffler excels.

However, the competitive field is deep, and the multi-course format introduces variables that can impact any player's performance. Bettors must consider not only Scheffler's talent but also the form of other contenders and the specific demands of the three-course rotation.

• Scottie Scheffler: Top-ranked player making season debut
• Course length: Shorter than typical PGA Tour setups
• Scoring potential: Low scores expected across the board
• Field depth: Strong competition despite early season timing

The defining characteristic of The American Express is the scorable nature of its courses. Unlike many PGA Tour venues that emphasize length and difficulty, these layouts reward precision and creativity over pure power.

Players who can control their ball flight and capitalize on scoring opportunities will have a significant advantage. The shorter yardages allow for more aggressive approaches, leading to a higher frequency of birdies and eagles.

This environment creates a unique betting dynamic where past performance on similar courses becomes a key indicator. Those with a history of success at The American Express or comparable events often perform well, as the skill set required aligns with their strengths.

The second stop of the PGA Tour brings us short, scorable courses.

The American Express represents a pivotal moment in the early PGA Tour season. It combines a unique format with the return of the world's best player, creating a compelling narrative for fans and bettors alike.

For those considering wagers, the course fit and recent form are critical factors. While Scheffler's talent is undeniable, the competitive field and the challenges of the three-course rotation present opportunities for other players to contend.

Ultimately, this week's event will provide valuable insights into the early-season form of the tour's elite and set the stage for the months ahead. The combination of scorable conditions and high stakes makes it a must-watch tournament.