The PGA TOUR returns to home soil this week following last week’s thrilling conclusion to the Aloha Swing in Hawaii.
A field of 156 will descend upon PGA West in California to play the La Quinta, Stadium, and Nicklaus courses, with a few familiar names like Jon Rahm and Patrick Cantlay also returning to take their place.
Low scores were a common theme in Hawaii and that has typically been the case at The American Express in the past.
That said, if this tournament has taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected. Rahm won as a favourite back in 2018, but it was only two years ago that Andrew Landry won as a 200/1 shot.
With value right across the board, our best bets, best value, and best roughies can be found in our 2022 American Express Preview below.
The American Express Best Bet
Patrick Reed @ $29.00
Picking players that have fared well at PGA West in the past is always a profitable play, so look no further than 2014 American Express champion, Patrick Reed.
Since then, his form at this venue hasn’t been great, but even though he missed the cut at this tournament last year, there’s still a lot to like about Reed’s game heading in.
Firstly, he bounced back from a horror opening two rounds in Maui a fortnight ago to finish T15.
He played the final 26 holes -12 under par, and I also think he’s been sneaky consistent if you look at the stats.
Not only has Reed made the cut in his last six tournaments on TOUR, but he also finished the 2021 season ranked fourth in Strokes Gained: Putting, and seven in Strokes Gained: Around the Green.
Rested, and with a little momentum on his side coming off a strong finish in Maui, the $29.00 quote appeals.
The American Express Best Value
Rickie Fowler @ $51.00
You never know what you’re going to get with Fowler, but he’s always a name that stands out to me at PGA West.
The 33-year-old finished T10 at this event two years ago after two sparkling first rounds, and he was in the mix again last season when he finished T21.
Last year, Fowler found close to 70% of the greens in regulation and he was also among the most accurate with the driver. He’s a gamble, but he could surprise.
The American Express Best Roughie
Russell Knox @ $67.00
It’s been a long time since Knox last tasted a win, but he did flirt with one at this event last year when he finished T16.
The Scotsman went on to finish T7 at Pebble Beach a month later, and more recently T7 at the Sony Open following a brilliant final round 65 last week.
Michael Thompson @ $91.00
Comes off a T5 last week at Waialae, the same result he achieved at this event last year.
The American has found some real accuracy with his irons recently, hitting over 72% of greens ini regulation in his last two tournaments. Short game is equally as impressive.
