Joe Champion
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It was a heartbreaking finish to last week’s Sony Open, as my 100/1 longshot pick Nicolas Echavarria was beaten by Nick Taylor in a playoff. Still, I’m staying motivated to go one better this time and have my predictions and best bets for this week’s PGA Tour golf event, The American Express. The American Express has taken place at a host of courses under a variety of names but, since 2016, this pro-am event has been staged at 3 venues – the Stadium Course at PGA West, La Quinta Country Club and the Nicklaus Tournament Course. The field rotates around the 3 courses over the opening 3 rounds before a cut is made and the final round takes place at PGA West. The event is typically low-scoring and a red-hot putter has been the route to success.
Let’s get into my expert picks for the American Express, while you can also find out our golf picks for EVERY PGA Tour event this year.
The American Express golf picks and predictions
Sam Burns (+1400)
Odds generally available at time of publishing.
Xander Schauffele had been the betting favorite before his withdrawal, and as a result our top pick Sam Burns has been clipped from +2000 to +1400 odds. Regardless, Burns looks a good bet, who returned with 8th place in the Sentry and will be hungry for PGA Tour success, having gone winless since the 2023 WGC-Matchplay. Burns finished 2024 with a run on solid performances and he relishes the demands of PGA West, a Pete Dye design featuring the Bermuda grass on which he is supremely comfortable. He has American Express form figures of 18-6-MC-11-6 to his name.
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Nick Dunlap (+5000)
Odds generally available at time of publishing.
Nick Dunlap made a name for himself in incredible fashion last year, winning the Amex as an amateur, and he will be playing with a point to prove having been ineligible to pick up the winner’s cheque due to his status. Dunlap has shown that victory to be no fluke, claiming the title at the Barracuda Championship in July, and he putted superbly to finish 10th at the Sony Open last week. A repeat triumph could be coming for this immense talent.
Patrick Fishburn (+5500)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook and Bet365 at time of publishing.
Patrick Fishburn also continues to catch the eye, finishing 12th, 8th and 6th in his last 3 PGA Tour starts, and there’s every chance this well-rounded performer can gain an elusive first win on Sunday.
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