Join Now! Sign In

2025 The American Express: Preview, Props & Best Bets

by

PGA Tour Returns with The American Express

The PGA Tour kicks off its 2025 mainland schedule with The American Express in La Quinta, California. This unique event combines a pro-am format with competition across three courses, making it a standout on the tour’s calendar. Despite the absence of World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and No. 2 Xander Schauffele due to medical concerns, the field boasts 20 of the top 50 players in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Learn About the Major Advantages of Using Online Betting Sites for Sports Wagering

Event Details

  • Location: La Quinta, California
  • Dates: January 16-19, 2025
  • Courses:
    • PGA West Pete Dye Stadium Course (Par 72, 7,210 yards)
    • PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course (Par 72, 7,147 yards)
    • La Quinta Country Club (Par 72, 7,060 yards)
  • Purse: $8.8 million (Winner: $1.584 million)
  • Defending Champion: Nick Dunlap
  • Broadcast:
    • TV: Golf Channel (4-7 p.m. ET daily)
    • Streaming: ESPN+ (11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. ET daily)

Top Contenders and Odds

Patrick Cantlay (+1800)

Cantlay’s familiarity with the desert conditions gives him a strong edge. He has a stellar track record at this event, including a runner-up finish in 2021 and a 60-shot round as an amateur in 2011. As the betting favorite, Cantlay leads the field with 9% of the total money wagered.

Justin Thomas (+1200)

Thomas tied for third last year, powered by a 61 in the third round. Despite a quieter start to 2025, his talent and ability to adapt to the multi-course format keep him in the conversation.

Sungjae Im (+1400)

Im is coming off a solo third-place finish at The Sentry, marking his fifth consecutive top-13 performance worldwide. His steady game and recent form make him a popular pick, though he hasn’t yet attracted significant public betting support.

Sam Burns (+1600)

Burns’ consistency is undeniable, with six straight top-15 finishes. He’s finished T6 and T11 at The American Express in the past two years, and his game suits the course rotation.

Will Zalatoris (+5000)

Zalatoris, returning from an offseason fitness overhaul, looks to regain his winning form. His promising T26 finish at The Sentry shows progress, and his new physical condition could make him a dark horse.

Nick Dunlap (+5000)

The defending champion shot a third-round 60 last year to claim victory. Coming off a T10 finish in Honolulu, Dunlap looks to build on his momentum.

Uncover Key Insights and Strategies Top Pros Employ to Maintain Long-Term Betting Success

Key Storylines

Blades Brown’s Professional Debut

At just 17, Blades Brown will make his first professional start. Brown’s accolades include earning medalist honors at both the U.S. Junior and U.S. Amateur, joining Tiger Woods and Bobby Clampett in this elite category. His presence adds intrigue to the event, particularly as the son of former WNBA player Rhonda Brown.

Pro-Am Format Challenges

Each professional will partner with an amateur for the first three rounds, rotating through all three courses. The low 65 professionals and ties will advance to the final round at the Stadium Course.

Last Year’s Historic Win

Nick Dunlap made history in 2024 by becoming the first amateur to win a PGA Tour event since Phil Mickelson in 1991. Can Dunlap replicate his remarkable performance and successfully defend his title as a professional?

Prop Picks and Best Bets

Prop Picks

  • Patrick Cantlay to Beat Justin Thomas (+110): With a strong desert track record, Cantlay’s consistency may edge out Thomas.
  • Nicolas Echavarria Top 20 Finish (+250): Echavarria’s red-hot form and familiarity with the courses make him a value pick.
  • Eric Cole to Make Cut (-200): Cole’s reliability has made him a solid bet, with four consecutive cuts made.

Best Bets to Win

  • Patrick Cantlay (+1800): Leads in public backing, with his past results in La Quinta reinforcing his credentials.
  • Sam Burns (+1600): Burns has the form and experience to contend.
  • Nick Dunlap (+5000): The defending champion offers longshot value after a solid T10 finish in Honolulu.
Discover Proven Strategies to Sustain and Grow Your Betting Streak with Expert Tactics

Final Thoughts

The American Express promises excitement with its pro-am format, strong field, and dynamic courses. With favorites like Cantlay, Thomas, and Im in the mix, alongside emerging talents like Dunlap and Blades Brown, fans can expect a thrilling start to the 2025 PGA Tour season.