Welcome to CaddyBytes’ coverage of The American Express, one of the most unique and beloved early-season events on the PGA Tour. Originally founded by entertainment legend Bob Hope in 1960 as the Palm Springs Golf Classic, this tournament has evolved into a premier desert showcase featuring a star-studded professional field alongside celebrity amateur participation.
The American Express is defined by its distinctive Pro-Am format, where PGA Tour professionals are paired with amateur partners across three iconic courses: PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, and La Quinta Country Club. This rotating multi-course setup creates a dynamic competitive environment and one of the most entertaining atmospheres on the PGA Tour schedule.
With a history spanning more than six decades, the tournament has crowned legendary champions including Arnold Palmer, Johnny Miller, Phil Mickelson, and in recent years Jon Rahm and Patrick Cantlay. Beyond world-class golf, The American Express continues Bob Hope’s legacy of entertainment and charity, raising millions of dollars for local desert community causes.
The American Express
2026 The American Express
Tournament Details
Date: January 22-25, 2026
Location: La Quinta, California
Field: 156 PGA Tour professionals
Three-course desert rotation.
Tournament DetailsThe American Express History (1960 - Present)
2026 The American Express
Upcoming Event
La Quinta, California
156 players with celebrity amateurs
$8.4 million purse
Three-course desert rotation
2025 The American Express
Recent Champion
La Quinta, California
Pro-Am format with celebrities
PGA West & La Quinta CC courses
500 FedExCup points to winner
2020s American Express
Modern Champions
Desert Dominance
Jon Rahm won in 2023
Hudson Swafford 2022 champion
Si Woo Kim champion in 2021
2010s American Express
Memorable Victories
Desert Showdowns
Adam Long surprise win in 2019
Jon Rahm claimed 2018 title
Phil Mickelson's 2019 victory
2000s Bob Hope Classic
Tournament Evolution
Hope's Legacy Continues
Still known as Bob Hope Classic
Mike Weir back-to-back 2003-04
Phil Mickelson champion in 2002, 2004
Pro-Am Tournament Format
Unique Structure
156 Pros + Celebrities
Play across three different courses
Final round at PGA West Stadium
Celebrity amateur partners first 3 days
Desert Courses
Three-Course Rotation
PGA West & La Quinta CC
PGA West Stadium Course (final round)
PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course
La Quinta Country Club
Bob Hope Legacy
Tournament Founder
Entertainment & Golf
Founded by Bob Hope in 1960
Originally Palm Springs Golf Classic
Raised millions for desert charities
Historic Champions
Legendary Winners
Golf Greats
Arnold Palmer five-time champion
Johnny Miller three-time winner
Phil Mickelson two-time champion
The American Express Legacy
The American Express carries forward the incredible legacy of what began as the Bob Hope Desert Classic in 1960, establishing itself as one of the PGA Tour's most unique and entertaining events. Originally envisioned by entertainment icon Bob Hope as a way to combine celebrity entertainment with professional golf to benefit charity, the tournament has maintained its distinctive Pro-Am format while evolving into a premier early-season showcase.
The tournament's three-course format across PGA West's Stadium and Nicklaus Tournament Courses, along with La Quinta Country Club, creates one of the most varied and challenging tests on tour. The final round's setting at Pete Dye's legendary Stadium Course, with its island green on the famous 17th hole, provides dramatic conclusions to the desert competition. This multi-venue approach allows fans to experience different architectural styles while maintaining the tournament's intimate, accessible atmosphere.
Beyond the competition, The American Express stays true to Bob Hope's original vision of celebrity involvement and charitable impact. The Pro-Am format brings together PGA Tour stars with celebrities from entertainment, sports, and business, creating memorable pairings and unique fan experiences. This commitment to entertainment and accessibility, combined with significant charitable contributions to Coachella Valley organizations, honors Hope's legacy while ensuring the tournament's continued relevance and community impact.
As The American Express continues to thrive in the California desert, it represents a perfect blend of professional golf's competitive spirit with the entertainment values that Bob Hope championed. The tournament's ability to maintain its distinctive character while adapting to modern professional golf has made it a beloved institution that captures the essence of what makes the PGA Tour's early-season West Coast swing so special.