The 2026 American Express is one of the early-season highlights on the PGA Tour, kicking off the West Coast Swing immediately after the Sony Open in Hawaii. Played in La Quinta, California, this unique event tests golfers across multiple courses before crowning a champion at the iconic Pete Dye Stadium Course.
In 2026, one of the biggest storylines is the season debut of World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, headlining a deep field chasing the first big victory of the year.
Who’s playing at The American Express?
The American Express 2026 field is full-strength and highly competitive, featuring 156 players, the largest field of the early season.
Headliners and notable participants include:
- Scottie Scheffler – World No. 1 and PGA Tour Player of the Year making his first start of the season.
- Defending champion Sepp Straka – Winner of last year’s event and a contender once again.
- Justin Rose – Former major champion and Ryder Cup veteran.
- Matt Fitzpatrick, Wyndham Clark, Sam Burns, Ben Griffin, Tony Finau, Rickie Fowler and many more top PGA Tour stars.
The depth of the field makes The American Express a meaningful early test ahead of the year’s biggest events, and players use it to build momentum as the season unfolds.
When does The American Express take place?
The American Express 2026 will be contested over four days at the end of January:
- Thursday, January 22: Round 1
- Friday, January 23: Round 2
- Saturday, January 24: Round 3
- Sunday, January 25: Final Round
Players rotate across three courses – Pete Dye Stadium Course, Nicklaus Tournament Course, and La Quinta Country Club – for the first three days, with a 54-hole cut and the final round held exclusively at the Stadium Course.
Tee Times: When do players start?
Tee times for the opening round begin in the late morning Eastern Time (ET):
First groups begin around 11:30 a.m. ET at La Quinta Country Club and the other courses.
Featured pairings – such as Scottie Scheffler with Justin Rose – are scheduled shortly after noon Eastern Time.
Similar late-morning starts continue throughout the first three rounds, with players completing rounds into the afternoon. Final round tee times will be set based on leaderboard position after the cut.
Where to watch: TV and streaming info
Golf fans in the United States have several viewing options:
Television:
Golf Channel: Live coverage of all four rounds – typically 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET each day.
Streaming:
PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ – comprehensive live streaming from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET Thursday through Sunday, including featured groups and holes.
Additional platforms: Live scoring, leaderboards and highlights are available via the PGA Tour app and PGATOUR.com.
For international fans, coverage may also be available on regional sports networks or golf channels, depending on territory and broadcast rights.
The 2026 American Express is shaping up as one of the most compelling early-season golf tournaments, blending a deep field, challenging course rotation, and broad TV and streaming coverage.
Between the return of Scottie Scheffler to his first event of the year, the defending champion Sepp Straka, and a host of other stars in contention, golf fans should have plenty to watch from January 22-25 in La Quinta, California. Whether you follow every tee time or tune in for featured groups, the American Express offers a strong start to the 2026 PGA Tour season.
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