The PGA Tour this week features the 2026 The American Express starting on Thursday at PGA West's Stadium Course and two other courses in Palm Springs, California.
My PGA Tour field ranking for The American Express looks at the top 10 players in this 156-player field that brings together the best in the world for the start of the PGA Tour season in the mainland United States.
2026 The American Express: Field | Tournament Model| Rankings | Betting Odds and First Looks | One and Done | Course Breakdowns | Cheat Sheet | Tournament History | Recent Form | Finish Database
The American Express is the start of the year for a lot of players, featuring 27 of the world top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking. Scottie Scheffler is starting the year at this three-course event, where you have to go low to have any kind of chance. The cut is made after each player has a round on each of the three courses, including PGA West's Stadium Course.
Just a reminder that I make my expert picks looking at all fantasy leagues and formats. Whether you're playing in a fantasy golf leagues, betting on golf, or competing in a DFS (DraftKings, FanDuel) event, our picks highlight the top PGA Tour golfers to watch this week from our 2026 The American Express rankings.
2026 The American Express expert picks and rankings
1. Scottie Scheffler: There is no debate here. He's the best in the world.
2. Patrick Cantlay: He's probably your horse-for-course play this week, and he did start to get things moving in the right direction in the back section of last season.
3. Ben Griffin: He got out of the gates strong at Waialae, and he's been in the top nine here the last two years.
4. Robert MacIntyre: Bobby Mac's game seems to travel well, but this is a putting contest, and that's what he does very well.
5. Ludvig Aberg: This should be a place where Aberg thrives, effectively playing a pitch and putt this week for his length.
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6. Sepp Straka: We have limited data on the defending champion because of taking time away to be with his wife and new baby out of the NICU. Still, he was third at the Hero in December.
7. Justin Rose: Rose doesn't have a great record here or anything, but he did play well in two events to end 2025.
8. Harris English: English was great in the big events last year, though this type of golf doesn't strike me as his favorite.
9. J.T. Poston: The Postman has been in the top 12 here in each of the last three years, and he seems to have a thing for desert golf.
10. Johnny Keefer: I'm going to keep him on your radar, and this tournament should fit his exprience of playing go-low events so far in his career.
