2026 American Express Fantasy and Betting Preview: Key Stats, Course Breakdown, Tournament Trends, TV Times, and More


The PGA TOUR heads to La Quinta, California, this week for The American Express, marking the start of the California Swing, with four of the next five events taking place in the Golden State. The American Express is the first multi-course event of the season, with players rotating between three venues from Thursday through Saturday: the PGA West Pete Dye Stadium Course, the PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, and La Quinta Country Club. Following Saturday’s round, the field will be cut, and those who advance will play the final round on Sunday at the PGA West Pete Dye Stadium Course.

With The Sentry not being held this season, a Signature Event, this week’s tournament features the strongest field it has ever seen. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will make his season debut, joined by eight other players ranked inside the top 20 in the world.

For those who have followed my work in the past, you know my betting picks are usually included within this article. This year will be a little different, as my official plays will be part of our RotoBaller PGA Premium offerings. To get access to my top plays throughout the 2026 season, check out our awesome options now. If you are new here, the purpose of this preview is to provide a complete breakdown of everything you need to know about this week’s event. From course details and key statistics to historical trends and field insights, this article is designed to serve as a guide or at least a strong starting point as you build your betting card or DFS lineups. With plenty of opportunity on the board, let’s dive into the 2026 American Express and get you fully prepared for the second week of the PGA TOUR season.

 

Tournament Information

 

PGA West Pete Dye Stadium Course Information

Course Architect:

Comparable Courses:

Comparable Location (La Quinta, California):

Designer Link (Pete Dye):

Comparable Yardage (7,210 Yards):

Comparable Greens (TifDwarf Bermudagrass with Poa overseed .115”):

Comparable Average Green Size (7,000 sq. ft.):

 

Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course Information

 

Course Architect:

Comparable Courses:

Comparable Location (La Quinta, California):

Designer Link (Jack Nicklaus):

Comparable Yardage (7,147 Yards):

Comparable Greens (TifDwarf Bermudagrass with Poa overseed .115”):

Comparable Average Green Size (5,500 sq. ft.):

 

La Quinta Country Club Course Information

 

Course Architect:

Comparable Courses:

Comparable Location (La Quinta, California):

Comparable Yardage (7,050 Yards):

Comparable Greens (TifDwarf Bermudagrass with Poa trivialis/ryegrass overseed .105”):

Comparable Average Green Size (4,773 sq. ft.):

 

TV Information (all times ET)

 

Course/ Tournament History

The American Express golf tournament, originally known as the Palm Springs Golf Classic, is one of the most historic and unique events on the PGA Tour. Established in 1960 to promote tourism in the Coachella Valley, the tournament quickly gained prominence due to its pro-am format, where Hollywood celebrities were paired with professional golfers. Played across several pristine courses in the Palm Springs area, the event became a star-studded celebration of golf. Over the years, it has undergone several name changes to reflect its sponsors, most notably the Bob Hope Desert Classic, a name synonymous with the tournament for decades due to Bob Hope’s long-standing association.

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The tournament’s 3-course rotation is a defining characteristic, providing a unique challenge for participants. Players rotate between the PGA West Pete Dye Stadium Course, the PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course, and La Quinta Country Club during the first three days. The PGA West complex hosts three of the four rounds, with the Stadium and Nicklaus Tournament Courses situated on-site. La Quinta Country Club, located about five miles from the complex, serves as the third course and requires the only travel for players during the event. This rotation adds diversity and showcases the distinct features of each course.

Another distinctive feature of The American Express is the pro-am structure, where each professional is paired with an amateur for the first three rounds. Groups consist of two pros and two amateurs, creating a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere. To accommodate the amateurs, pin placements are typically in easier positions during the first three days, and rounds can extend to six hours. Additionally, the tournament’s cut is made after 54 holes rather than the standard 36, reflecting the three-course rotation.

Previous Tournament Venues:

Duration Course Location
1987, 2016–present PGA West Stadium Course La Quinta, California, United States
2016–present PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course La Quinta, California, United States
1964–1986, 1988, 1991–1992, 1994–1995, 1997–1998, 2000–2001, 2003, 2005–2008, 2010–present La Quinta Country Club La Quinta, California, United States
1988–1994, 1998–2015 PGA West Palmer Course La Quinta, California, United States
2009–2015 PGA West Nicklaus Private Course La Quinta, California, United States
2008–2011 SilverRock Resort La Quinta, California, United States
1960–2007, 2009 Bermuda Dunes Bermuda Dunes, California, United States
2006–2008 Classic Club Palm Desert, California, United States
1960–2005 Indian Wells Country Club Classic Course Indian Wells, California, United States
1960–1963, 1969, 1971, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1979, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1990, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2002, 2004 Tamarisk Country Club Rancho Mirage, California, United States
1995–1997 Indian Ridge Country Club Grove Course Palm Desert, California, United States
1963–1968, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1989 Eldorado Country Club Indian Wells, California, United States
1960–1962 Thunderbird Country Club Rancho Mirage, California, United States

Previous Tournament Names:

Duration Tournament Name
2020-present The American Express
2019 Desert Classic
2016-2018 CareerBuilder Challenge
2012-2015 Humana Challenge
2009-2011 Bob Hope Classic
1986-2008 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic
1984-1985 Bob Hope Classic
1965-1983 Bob Hope Desert Classic
1961-1964 Palm Springs Golf Classic
1960 Palm Springs Desert Golf Classic

Tournament Records:

Course Records:

 

PGA West Pete Dye Stadium Course Guide/ Scorecard

 

Notable Par 3s

The four Par 3s on the Pete Dye Stadium Course at PGA West range from 165 to 227 yards, placing a premium on precision and smart club selection. In last year’s American Express, every Par 3 had a scoring average over par except No. 4.

Hole 6 | Par 3 | 227 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average: 3.22 (Difficulty Rank – 3)

One of the more intimidating holes on the course, however, there is a bailout area left and the green is large enough to receive just about any club you choose to hit here.

Hole 17 | Par 3 | 165 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average: 3.04 (Difficulty Rank – 8)

Alcatraz is our signature hole at the Pete Dye Stadium Course. A precise tee shot here is a must into this island green which is surrounded by imposing boulders and a treacherous water hazard.

 

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Notable Par 4s

The Pete Dye Stadium Course at PGA West features ten par 4s, most of which are listed between 450-500 yards. Strategy plays a major role, particularly on holes that offer tempting risk-reward opportunities. In 2025, half of the par 4s had a scoring average over par (No. 3, No. 9, No. 10, No. 15, and No. 18).

Hole 7 | Par 4 | 346 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average:  3.96 (Difficulty Rank – 9)

This may be the shortest par-4 on the course but this hole requires a very precise drive. There is a water hazard that runs down the entire right side and the bailout area left is no bargain. If you are lucky enough to hit the fairway you will be left with a short iron into the green.

Hole 18 | Par 4 | 439 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average: 4.225 (Difficulty Rank – 2)

One of the more intimidating drives on the course with water down the entire left side of the hole. You will need to favor the right side and try to avoid the bunkers. Your approach shot into this green has no bail out on the left and water that comes into play and bunkers that protect the front right.

 

Notable Par 5s

There are four Par 5’s on the course: No. 5, No. 8, No. 11, and No. 16. All of these holes had a scoring average under par in 2025, with  No. 8 being the easiest hole on the course last year.

Hole 5 | Par 5 | 535 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average: 4.771  (Difficulty Rank – 16)

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This par-5 is a true risk-reward hole that requires a drive that avoids the water down the left side. Laying up here is no easy feat as you need to favor the left side to stay out of the water on the right.

Hole 16 | Par 5 | 600Yards | 2025 Stroke Average: 4.921 (Difficulty Rank – 12)

Avoid the bunker down the left off the tee. If you have a chance to go for the green you will need to keep your second shot down the right as the bunker that is greenside is approx. 20 feet deep. Getting out of this bunker could take some time. Laying up is always the suggested play as a short iron into this green should set you up nicely.

Featured/ Signature Hole(s): 17
 

PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course Guide/ Scorecard


 

Notable Par 3s

The four Par 3s on the Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA West range from 165 to 209 yards, placing a premium on precision and smart club selection.

Hole 8 | ' Lilly Pad' | Par 3 | 172 Yards 

A beautiful semi-island green that has no room for shots that come up a little short. Aiming at the middle of this green is always the best option, no matter where the pin location is for the day.

Hole 12 | ' Fatal Attraction' | Par 3 | 165 Yards 

The center of the green is always the best spot to aim on this hole. Miss this green to the right or short left in the bunker and you will be left with a nearly impossible up and down.

 

Notable Par 4s

The Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA West features ten par 4s, most of which are listed between 400-450 yards. Strategy plays a major role, particularly on holes that offer tempting risk-reward opportunities.

Hole 9 | ' Jack’s Revenge' | Par 4 | 461 Yards 

Try to favor the left side of this fairway as a shot down the right could leave you with a blind second shot. The green is well guarded by a large water hazard, so choosing the correct club here is a must. You can bail out a little right if needed.

Hole 18 | 'Bear Trap' | Par 4 | 431 Yards 

It is hard to find a more beautiful finishing hole than this one. Your tee shot plays back to the clubhouse and will need to avoid the fairway bunker and water hazard down the right side. You will have a second shot that will require a mid to long iron and will need to have enough carry to get over the bunker that guards the front of the green. The green slopes severely from back to front and from left to right.

 

Notable Par 5s

There are four Par 5’s on the course: No. 4, No. 7, No. 11, and No. 15. All of these holes had a scoring average under par in 2025, with  No. 7 and No. 11 being the easiest holes on the course last year.

Hole 11 | 'Moguls' | Par 5 | 528 Yards 

Aim to the right of the moguls on the left side of the fairway to set up the best view of this green for your second shot. The layup shot is crucial here as you need to decide whether to lay up short of the fairway bunker or take on the carry to set up a short pitch into the green. Make sure to avoid the left side of the green at all costs as it falls off severely and leaves an almost impossible up and down.

Hole 15 | 'Long Island' | Par 5 | 572 Yards 

One of the more scenic driving holes that requires a straight drive that avoids the deep fairway bunker off the tee. Keeping your lay-up shot down the right is a must and will leave you an approach shot that will need to carry the water hazard onto an island green.

 

Hole Name Par Yardage Hole Name Par Yardage
1 Jack’s or Better 4 378 10 Plateau 4 370
2 Top Gun 4 444 11 Moguls 5 528
3 Pyramid 3 192 12 Fatal Attraction 3 165
4 Ridge Runner 5 549 13 Images 4 419
5 Wishbone 4 364 14 Date Bowl 4 442
6 Jagged Edge 4 462 15 Long Island 5 572
7 Desert Valley 5 527 16 Cattail 4 440
8 Lilly Pad 3 172 17 Mountain View 3 209
9  Jack’s Revenge 4 461 18 Bear Trap 4 453
OUT 36 3,549 IN 36 3,598
TOTAL 72 7,147

Featured/ Signature Hole(s): 8
 

La Quinta Country Club Course Guide/ Scorecard


 

Notable Par 3s

The four Par 3s at La Quinta Country Club range from 168 to 206 yards, placing a premium on precision and smart club selection. In last year’s American Express, two of the four Par 3 had a scoring average over par (No. 3 and No. 12).

Hole 3 | Par 3 | 202 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average: 3.077 (Difficulty Rank – 4)

This picturesque par three features water and bunkers on the left. The proper club selection is required for a good position on this two-tiered green. If the green is missed on the right side there is a great opportunity to get up and down for par.

Hole 7 | Par 3 | 168 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average: 2.858 (Difficulty Rank – 9)

This beautiful par three has a large bunker on the left side of the green as well as a waterfall on the right, which empties into a small lake at the front of the green. Don’t let its beauty or its short yardage distract you. You must hit a great shot to score on this hole.

 

Notable Par 4s

La Quinta Country Club features ten par 4s, most of which are listed between 350-450 yards. Strategy plays a major role, particularly on holes that offer tempting risk-reward opportunities. In 2025, only two par 4s had a scoring average over par, No. 2 and No. 14.

Hole 10 | Par 4 | 405 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average:  4.00 (Difficulty Rank – 5)

The back nine starts off with a short dogleg left. It’s best not to cheat the corner due to the large eucalyptus and mesquite trees on the left. By using the aiming bunker on the far, right side of the dogleg, the player will set up a perfect approach to the green. The fairway slopes from right to left from the turning point all the way to the green. This will help the ball feed into the proper positions on the fairway as well as on the green.

Hole 18 | Par 4 | 412 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average: 3.903 (Difficulty Rank – 8)

Eighteen’s beauty begins at the tee box with a full view of the fairway, lake, clubhouse, and a backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Avoiding the water left off the tee and again for the approach shot near the green are the challenges on this great finishing hole. The right side is framed with a lone fairway bunker and a series of greenside bunkers.

 

Notable Par 5s

There are four Par 5’s on the course: No. 5, No. 6, No. 11, and No. 13. All of these holes had a scoring average under par in 2025. No. 6 was the easiest hole on the course last year, with a scoring average of 0.703 below par.

Hole 5 | Par 5 | 516 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average:  4.342 (Difficulty Rank – 17)

The first par five rewards a long drive aimed at the bunkers on the left side of the fairway. There is an opportunity to reach this green in two. However, there is only a small opening in front of the green where the ball can enter. For the player who wishes to lay up, the shot should favor the left side deep down the fairway. This will leave the player with a short pitch and a chance to make a birdie.

Hole 11 | Par 5 | 543 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average: 4.407 (Difficulty Rank – 16)

Eleven is a par five that plays like the letter “s”. A good tee shot should finish just to the right of the left fairway bunker. This will set up an opportunity to carry the fairway bunker, which guards the green, and possibly run the ball up on the green. If the player elects to lay up, the best landing area is left of the fairway bunker. From this point, the approach shot must finish on the correct level of the three-tiered green to capture a birdie.

 

Hole Par Yardage Hole Par Yardage
1 4 382 10 4 405
2 4 434 11 5 543
3 3 202 12 3 202
4 4 384 13 5 547
5 5 516 14 4 469
6 5 527 15 3 206
7 3 168 16 4 454
8 4 389 17 4 421
9 4 399 18 4 412
OUT 36 3,401 IN 36 3,659
TOTAL 72 7.060

Featured/ Signature Hole(s): 18

 

The three possible course rotations will be as follows:

 

Key Statistics

As the American Express returns to PGA West / La Quinta Country Club, understanding how these courses compare to PGA TOUR averages can help identify which players are best suited for success. Here’s how PGA West (Dye Stadium and Nicklaus Courses) / La Quinta Country Club stack up statistically:

Statistics PGA Tour Average PGA West Pete Dye Stadium Course PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course La Quinta Country Club
Driving Distance (Yards) 284.06 281.14 - -
Driving Accuracy 62% 60% 69% 62%
GIR Percentage 66% 67% 74% 69%
Avg GIR Prox to Hole (Feet) 29.25 28.75 - -
Scrambling Percentage 56% 63% 63% 65%
Avg 3 Putts / Round 0.54 0.32 0.41 0.33

Strokes Gained: Off the Tee

Strokes Gained: Approach

Strokes Gained: Putting (Bermudagrass, Poa)

Par 3 Scoring

Par 4 Scoring: 350-450 Yards

Par 5 Scoring: 500-600 Yards

Birdies or Better Gained

Bogey Avoidance

 

Comparable Courses and Event History

 

The Field

The 2026 American Express features a full field of 156 players, highlighted by several of the top golfers in the world. The field is led by Scottie Scheffler (World No. 1), Russell Henley (World No. 5), Robert MacIntyre (World No. 7), and Ben Griffin (World No. 8). Defending champion Sepp Straka is also back in La Quinta this week, looking to successfully defend his title.

The field also includes a mix of rising talent and familiar names. Will Zalatoris is set to make his first PGA TOUR appearance since the 2025 PGA Championship. Following that event, he underwent back surgery in May at the Texas Back Institute, addressing an issue that had lingered since 2022 and required a second surgical procedure. Based on his recent comments, this latest surgery appears to have been far more successful than the first, and Zalatoris has expressed increased confidence that his back problems are now behind him.

Basis of qualification for each entrant this week:

Previous Winners in the Field (Event):

Players with Ties to California in the Field:

Birthplace:

College:

Debutants in the Field:

Exemptions:

Notable Withdraws/ Changes:

 

The Odds

Here’s a breakdown of the top players in the field for this year’s American Express at PGA West/ La Quinta Country Club, ranked by current betting odds (via DraftKings). The table below details each player’s five most recent finishes on the PGA TOUR and their last result at the American Express. My top plays of the week are included in the TeeOffSports VIP+ PGA Premium package.

Golfer Odds Last 5 Finishes on the PGA TOUR/ *DPWT
(Recent -> Past)
Last 5 Finishes at the American Express
(Recent -> Past)
Scottie Scheffler +245 T4-WON-T4-WON-T3 T17-T11-T25-MC-3
Ben Griffin +1800 T19-WON-T32-2-T10 T7-T9-T32
Sam Burns +2000 11-T13-T7-T4-T28 T29-T6-T11-MC-T6
Ludvig Aberg +2000 *T3-*T23-*T20-T21-T7 Tournament Debut
Russell Henley +2500 T19-T19-T2-T15-T17 T14-MC-MC-MC-MC
Patrick Cantlay +2500 T30-T2-T30-T9-MC T5-T52-T26-9-2

 

Recent Horses for Courses

PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club
Golfer Events Played SG: Total 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021
Patrick Cantaly 7 +40.96 T5 T52 T26 9 2
Si Woo Kim 8 +37.23 T51 T25 T22 T11 WON
Will Zalatoris 4 +27.89 T12 T34 T36 T6 -
Alex Smalley 4 +26.63 11 T21 T22 T25 -
Jason Day 4 +26.24 T3 T34 T18 T49 -
Ben Griffin 3 +26.02 T7 T9 T32 - -
Keith Mitchell 4 +21.55 T21 T9 T22 - -
Nick Dunlap 2 +18.42 T34 WON - - -
J.T. Poston 7 +27.7 T12 T11 T6 T25 MC
Tony FInau 8 +26.67 MC T25 T16 T40 4
Tom Hoge 10 +25.89 T29 T17 T32 2 MC
Lanto Griffin 5 +23.18 T34 T39 - T3 MC
Sam Burns 6 +20.95 T29 T6 T11 - -
Scottie Scheffler 5 +20.57 - T17 T11 T25 MC
Christiaan Bezuidenhout 4 +20.08 MC 2 T11 T40 -

 

Recent Donkeys for Courses

The American Express The American Express The American Express The American Express The American Express
PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club
Golfer Events Played SG: Total 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021
Peter Malnati 11 -14.19 MC MC MC MC MC
Andrew Novak 4 -33.68 MC MC MC MC -
Kevin Streelman 15 -20.69 MC MC - MC MC
Max McGreevy 3 -10.54 MC - MC MC -
Chad Ramey 3 -10.31 MC MC - MC -
Michael Block 5 -7.93 - MC MC - MC
Taylor Pendrith 3 -7.01 - MC MC MC -
Joel Dahmen 5 -3.04 MC MC - - MC
Rafael Campos 3 -15.36 MC - - - MC
Sami Valimaki 2 -12.35 MC MC - - -
Ben Silverman 4 -9.6 MC MC - - -
Patrick Fishburn 2 -8.08 MC MC - - -
Seonghyeon Kim 2 -3.6 - MC MC - -
Adam Long 6 -16.92 - MC MC MC 69
Jason Dufner 16 -4.56 MC MC MC T40 MC
Adam Schenk 8 -14.14 W/D MC MC MC T37

 

Previous Winners' Scores, Prices, and Strokes Gained (Rank at Tournament)

SG: Off the Tee SG: Tee to Green SG: Approach SG: Around the Green SG: Putting
2nd 13th 31st 27th 8th
SG: Off the Tee SG: Tee to Green SG: Approach SG: Around the Green SG: Putting
57th 17th 4th 52nd 9th
SG: Off the Tee SG: Tee to Green SG: Approach SG: Around the Green SG: Putting
13th 6th 7th 22nd 61st
SG: Off the Tee SG: Tee to Green SG: Approach SG: Around the Green SG: Putting
45th 11th 4th 25th 2nd
SG: Off the Tee SG: Tee to Green SG: Approach SG: Around the Green SG: Putting
10th 1st 2nd 16th 8th

 

Previous Winners Incoming Form (Last 5 Starts)

 

Previous Winners' Finishes at Event

2025: Sepp Straka

The American Express
The American Express The American Express
Desert Classic
PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club
PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club
PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club
2022 2021 2020 2019
T49 MC T4 MC

2024: Nick Dunlap

2023: Jon Rahm

The American Express
Desert Classic CareerBuilder Challenge
CareerBuilder Challenge
PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club
PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club
PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club
2022 2019 2018 2017
T14 6 WON T34

2022: Hudson Swafford

The American Express
The American Express Desert Classic CareerBuilder Challenge CareerBuilder Challenge CareerBuilder Challenge CareerBuilder Challenge CareerBuilder Challenge
PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club
PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club
PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club
PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club PGA West Nicklaus Private Course, PGA West Palmer Course, La Quinta Country Club PGA West Nicklaus Private Course, PGA West Palmer Course, La Quinta Country Club
2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
MC MC T65 T29 WON T56 MC T25

2021: Si Woo Kim

The American Express
Desert Classic CareerBuilder Challenge
PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club
PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club
2020 2019 2016
WD T40 T9

 

Best of luck, and as always, you can find me on Twitter/X @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting!

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