Best Bets for The American Express 2026 | PGA Betting Tips

This week, the PGA Tour heads to La Quinta, California, for The American Express.

Although the PGA Tour began last week in Hawaii, most fans and gamblers believe this week is a more legitimate season opener because the great Scottie Scheffler is on hand after skipping last week’s action.

Naturally, Scheffler is on top of the board as the overwhelming favorite. He is the biggest name in the game, and the casual sector is already flooding the betting window with action on the world’s top-ranked player.

Wise Guys may acknowledge that Scheffler is the realistic favorite while also understanding that there are more justifiable values down the board. Sharps will not plunk down the high price on Scheffler when there are good players and much better prices down the board.

Ben Griffin merits consideration as a player who broke out with a strong season and multiple wins in 2025.

Russell Henley is another quality player who is highly ranked on the World Golf Ranking and with an attractive price.

2026 The American Express Preview

This week, The American Express takes place from January 22 through January 25, 2026, at the Pete Dye Stadium Course in La Quinta, CA. ESPN+ and the Golf Channel will cover the action.

Last week, the PGA Tour season opened with the Sony Open in Hawaii. Chris Gotterup took the title by two strokes.

This week’s field features more quality players, starting with Scottie Scheffler.

2026 The American Express Predictions

As mentioned below, Russell Henley ranks 5^th on the Official World Golf Ranking.

Henley is an elite player who can win this event at an attractive PGA betting price.

Scheffler is the best player in the field, but the price is far too high to justify such a small potential return.

Ben Griffin was a disappointment last week in Hawaii, which has damaged his appeal this week.

Best Bet: Russell Henley

2026 The American Express Betting Tips

2026 The American Express Odds

• Scottie Scheffler +250

• Ben Griffin +1700

• Ludvig Aberg +1900

• Sam Burns +2000

• Patrick Cantlay +2000

• Russell Henley +2200

• Robert MacIntyre +2500

• Matt Fitzpatrick +2500

• Harry Hall +2700

• Sepp Straka +3300

• Taylor Pendrith +4000

• Alex Noren +4000

• Si Woo Kim +4000

• Harris English +4500

• Rickie Fowler +4500

• Michael Thorbjornsen +4500

• All Other Players +5000 or Higher

2026 The American Express Head-to-Head and Key Stats

• Scottie Sheffler finished in the Top-10 in 16 consecutive events heading into this week.

• Scottie Scheffler ranks 1^st on the Official World Golf Ranking.
• In 2025, Scheffler finished with six wins, 17 Top-10s, and 20 cuts made in 20 events.

• Scheffler finished 4^th in the 2025 FedEx Cup standings.

• Ben Griffin finished 12^th or better in his final six events of 2025.

• Ben Griffin ranks 8^th on the Official World Golf Ranking.

• In 2025, he played in 30 events, making 24 cuts, three wins, and 12 Top-10s.

• Griffin finished 10^th in the 2025 FedEx Cup standings.

• Last week, Griffin finished 19^th at the Sony Open in Hawaii.

• Ludvig Aberg finished 20^th or worse in three of his most recent four events.

• Ludvig Aberg ranks 18^th on the Official World Golf Ranking.

• Last year, Aberg played in 20 events, making 16 cuts, one win, and six Top-10 finishes.

• Aberg finished 21^st in the 2025 FedEx Cup standings.

• Sam Burns finished outside the Top-10 in seven of his last nine events.

• Sam Burns is ranked 25^th on the Official World Golf Ranking.

• In 2025, he made the cut in 22 out of 25 events with six Top-10 finishes.

• Burns finished 7^th in the 2025 FedEx Cup standings.

• Patrick Cantlay finished outside the Top-10 in eight of his most recent ten events.

• Patrick Cantlay ranks 24^th on the Official World Golf Ranking.

• In 2025, Cantlay made the cut in 17 out of 20 starts with five Top-10 finishes.

• Cantlay finished 2^nd in the FedEx Cup standings.

• Russell Henley ended 2025 with three finishes outside the Top 14 in his final four events.

• Russell Henley ranks 5^th on the Official World Golf Ranking.

• Last week, Henley finished 19^th at the Sony Open in Hawaii.

• In 2025, Henley made the cut in 17 out of 19 events with one win and ten Top-10 finishes.

• Henley finished 2^nd in the 2025 FedEx Cup standings.