The American Express tournament in La Quinta, California, presents a unique golfing format that includes three courses: the PGA West Stadium Course, along with La Quinta and the Nicklaus Tournament Course. Participants often see winning scores around 20-under par, thanks to the wide fairways and easily accessible pin placements that encourage birdies. In this environment, golfers need to excel with their wedges and short irons to capitalize on scoring opportunities, emphasizing strategic play over pure power.
Given that the early weeks of the golfing season tend to be unpredictable, the betting landscape is lighter than usual. Many players are still finding their rhythm after the off-season, making conservative betting strategies more appealing. For this tournament, experts recommend focusing on top-20 finishes as a reasonable target amidst the volatility.
One of the strongest candidates for a top-20 finish is Ben Griffin, whose consistent performance on approach shots makes him a solid bet at -115. Griffin excels in creating scoring opportunities, and his well-rounded game allows him to avoid major mistakes. His recent record suggests that this year will be a continuation of his upward trajectory rather than a reset, making him a favorable option in these scoring conditions.
Another player to watch is Harry Hall, available at +165 for a top-20 finish. Hall thrives in scoring contests with receptive greens, and his elite putting skills position him well in this tournament style. His performance in desert conditions indicates that he is capable of leveraging a hot round to maintain his position on the leaderboard.
Scottie Scheffler may seem attractive at -150 for a top-20 finish, but the early start of the season poses uncertainties, including potentially rustiness. While Scheffler has had success in the past, this specific tournament favors players who can effectively handle putting variances, an area where he has shown some vulnerability. Given his history and the challenges this event poses for him, it is best to wait for a more strategic opportunity to bet on Scheffler.
In daily fantasy leagues, Kurt Kitayama ($8,700) is worth considering due to his ball-striking capabilities, although his volatility might add risks. On the lower end, Lee Hodges ($6,700) offers a salary relief option but comes with a narrow path to success, relying heavily on his ball-striking ability.
Meanwhile, Jacob Bridgeman ($7,400) may be overvalued after a recent strong finish. His profile doesn’t align well with what the American Express demands, particularly in terms of sustainable scoring, which could lead to disappointing results.
Overall, the American Express promises to be an exciting event for golf fans and players alike, encouraging a blend of skill, strategy, and the potential for record-breaking scores in a friendly desert atmosphere.