Horse For The Course: PGA DFS Course History - 2026 American Express

January 19, 2026

Todd McGill's DraftKings, FanDuel PGA DFS picks for the 2026 American Express at PGA West. Picks for daily fantasy golf based on course history

It was a fun return to golf in Hawaii, as the PGA Tour leaves the islands for perhaps the last time. Changes are coming to the PGA Tour, and it's unclear whether the tournaments in America's 50th state will survive the chopping block. Chris Gotterup won the Sony in commanding style, shooting a final round of 64 to claim the victory by two shots—his third career victory. The tour now makes its way back to the mainland for this week's American Express.

Another event that seems to be on the chopping block, this tournament has been a staple on the PGA Tour since 1960. PGA West, the host site for the week's festivities, has been a part of the event since the mid 80's. So, needless to say, there is a ton of history here. This year's event has gotten a shot in the arm, with players like Scottie Scheffler, Harris English, and Ludvig Aberg choosing to start their 2026 season off in Coachella Valley.

Horse For The Course is an article highlighting players in this week's field with elite course history and is part of our free PGA DFS content here at RotoBaller. For some of the favorite DFS plays of the week, check out the Core Four article written by my buddy, Joe Nicely, here at RotoBaller every Wednesday. It's part of our amazing PGA Premium package that includes an all-new PGA Research Station, Lineup Builder & Optimizer, and some of the best articles in the PGA DFS industry! You can sign up now using the Promo Code TDG for an extra discount at checkout!

2026 American Express

With so many top players not able to play in the usual Sentry Tournament of Champions to begin the year, the events that follow have received nice field boosts from guys having to get their first start somewhere. It happened last week at Waialai, and it's happening again this week.

The early window used to be a spot to see breakthrough winners or guys jumping back into the spotlight after long droughts. Now, it's anyone's ball game. This week is one of a handful of events that employs the use of three different courses over the first 54 holes before reconvening on the Stadium Course on Sunday. It's an odd curveball, but rarely does it have a huge impact on scores.

The PGA Tour has its sponsor and venue deal until 2028, and where this event stands among the 30+ events on the schedule is undetermined. However, with more high-level players choosing to come here, it might be starting to make a compelling case.

You can find out who the smart money is on by checking out Spencer Aguiar's PGA DFS: Vegas Report weekly. And be sure to read our other top-notch weekly PGA DFS articles and Player News/Matchup Outlook Posts to help you win big!

Pete Dye Stadium Course, La Quinta Country Club, Nicklaus Tournament Course

Par 72 - 7,060-7,210 yards | Greens: Tifdwarf Bermuda | Designed By: Pete Dye (Stadium Course), Lawrence Hughes (La Quinta), Jack Nicklaus (Tournament Course)

Regardless of the added strength to the field, one thing that remains is that viewers will see more birdies than they can count. All three courses are a birdie-fest. Two of the three (Tournament Course and La Quinta CC) courses have consistently ranked among the top five easiest courses on the PGA Tour.

Statistics throughout the years are muddy, since ShotLink data has historically not been used on all three courses. However, it is safe to assume that strokes gained on approach, specifically from the 50-125 yard range, will be a crucial point of emphasis. Strokes gained around the green is also one to look for, as taking advantage of all the par-5s and avoiding dropped shots at a shootout like this is even more important than at more difficult spots.

While the flat stick isn't to be ignored, applying strokes gained putting stats to an event like this can be a difficult task. It's a given that success will mean making a boat-load of putts. However, many of the birdies and eagles made will be attributed to how well things are played from tee to green, specifically in the lower irons and wedges.

Recent American Express Winners

• 2025: Sepp Straka (-25)
• 2024: Nick Dunlap (-29)
• 2023: Jon Rahm (-27)
• 2022: Hudson Swafford (-23)
• 2021: Si Woo Kim (-23)

The Horse

Sam Burns

• Notable Finishes: T6 ('20 & '24), T11 ('23)

You won't find too many recent past champions having success after winning here, and LIV having snatched two of the last four winners also makes follow-up performances less likely. Sam Burns hasn't won here, but he's scared it more than once. Averaging +1.52 strokes gained putting has been the overwhelming part of his game on the three courses, but also his great shortgame and ability to dismantle the par 5s.

His placement at the top spot is also based on what he's put on display in recent events, going back to last season. The 29-year-old has averaged +0.588 strokes gained on approach and +0.264 off the tee over his previous five starts. If last year's statistically best putter still has all the cylinders firing, this would be a fitting place to see Burns get back in the winners' circle.

The Ponies

Ben Griffin

• Notable Finishes: T7 ('25), T9 ('24)

"Are you kidding me?!"

Smylie with the relatable call as @bengriffingolf holes out on the 11th to move to 6-under. pic.twitter.com/eKz5WaWRBk

— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) January 17, 2026

Do it once, and it could be a fluke. Do it twice, and we might be on to something. This is the case for Ben Griffin, who is making his fourth start at the American Express this week, having gotten closer to the top spot in each of his last three attempts. One of the outbreak stories from last season, his presence in big-time golf has become a regular occurrence.

The 29-year-old rolls the rock as well as anyone on tour, and is coming off the best ball-striking season of his career, ranking 22nd in strokes gained on approach (+0.466) and 58th in strokes gained off the tee (+0.196). His future is bright, and judging by a decent week in Hawaii, he could easily be in the mix on Sunday.

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Si Woo Kim

• Notable Finishes: 1st ('21), T11 ('22)

Wait for it...

2025 Unforgettable Moments: Si Woo Kim did what very few have done before — He made an ACE at the 2025 @PGAChampionship on the 252-yard 6th hole and then celebrated accordingly ⛳️ pic.twitter.com/Elk61wLWTT

— PGA of America (@PGA) December 25, 2025

The lone past champion to make this list, Si Woo Kim, has been a force to be reckoned with at PGA West. He's always managed to cut himself a check (Outside of a WD in 2020) and has been on a great run of form since the beginning of the playoffs last year, finishing no worse than T21 in his last six starts.  The inability to make putts has ultimately held him back from achieving more up to this point.

Interestingly, though, the South Korean has been stellar on the greens at this event, averaging +1.13 strokes gained putting, going back to his victory in 2021. He is usually able to get things done with his play from tee to green, but PGA West gives him a great chance for all of his game to come to life at the same time.

Alex Smalley

• Notable Finishes: Never finished outside the top 25 in four starts

Alex Smalley with the third ace on 17 this week!!!

His career first.

Every player 150/1 to do it @FDSportsbook…

pic.twitter.com/Rd99Xa4DwV

— Golfbet (@Golfbet) March 12, 2023

As the note above points out, Alex Smalley has been uber consistent at PGA West since his first appearance in 2022. His ball striking has come alive during this week, averaging +1.45 strokes gained on approach over his four showings. That incredible statline can't possibly continue, but he's also gotten the job done in other places to complement the ironplay as well.

To those who check out his recent starts, this will look like a bit of a flyer pick for DFS or betting purposes, and they aren't wrong to think that. The 29-year-old is as volatile as they come, but scared money usually doesn't make any!

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