Golf meets entertainment: The 2026 American Express celebrates 67 years of PGA TOUR excellence in La Quinta”
Post round concerts rock the field with Old Dominion and OneRepublic
By: By Alison Elsner
Pat McCabe, tournament director for The 2026 American Express Golf Tournament – colloquially referred to as “The Amex” – is surprised how often he’s asked who’s performing in the weekend concerts even before fans get around to the golf.
However, golf reigns supreme at this popular PGA TOUR event, set to take place from January 19–25, 2026 in La Quinta, California, across three prestigious courses: the Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA West (par 72, 7,147 yards), the Pete Dye Stadium Course (par 72, 7,210 yards), and La Quinta Country Club (par 72, 7,060 yards).
The Amex annually tees up the start of the PGA TOUR’s west coast swing and is the TOUR’s first 2026 regular season event in the U.S., showcasing 156 professional golfers and 156 amateurs. The tournament was founded in 1960 as the Palm Springs Golf Classic. It has undergone several name changes over the decades, including Bob Hope Desert Classic, Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, Humana Challenge, CareerBuilder Challenge, Desert Classic, and now, The American Express.
Spectators and players can expect exceptional golf, unforgettable hospitality experiences and show-stopping entertainment. As if the top-tier golf isn’t enough, this year’s concert entertainment following play on Friday and Saturday evenings will see Old Dominion and One Republic rock the stage. Both concerts will take place on the PGA West Stadium Course driving range.
McCabe, through SPORTFIVE, a global sports marketing agency, has been at the helm of the tournament since 2019. He considers himself fortunate to have overseen the transition to current title sponsor, American Express. He plays a central role in organizing and shaping the event, which has evolved under his leadership.
McCabe said, “The event would not be what it is without our exceptional sponsor, American Express. They continue to provide over the top amenities for fans, spectators, players, and sponsors while hosting a superlative pro-am field of players.”
SPORTFIVE manages other PGA TOUR events, including the Procore Championship in Napa, California, the ISCO Championship in Louisville, Kentucky, the ONEFlight Myrtle Beach Classic, and the Puerto Rico Open, among others.
McCabe notes that most of the attendees at The Amex are from the southern California region, with many having a residence in the Coachella Valley. But last year, he was excited to see strong ticket sales to visitors from all 50 states in the U.S. as well as from 12 other countries.
It’s still early as golf timelines go, and McCabe notes that final player commitments aren’t determined until the week prior to the event. Golf enthusiasts will be watching to see if Sepp Straka of Austria, the 2025 winner, can recapture the trophy. Straka ended up with a -25 total score (rounds 65, 64, 64 and 70). Straka was followed by Justin Thomas at -23 in second place and Justin Lower and Jason Day who tied for third at -22.
Other potential entries include Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Patrick Cantlay, Tony Finau, and Rickie Fowler.
McCabe said, “I can project that someone 20 under par will win, Regardless, the courses here complimented by the spectacular desert weather will deliver a week of exciting play and activities.”
As a charity event, The Amex can now boast $68 million in lifetime charitable contributions, conferring a powerful impact socially and economically to the La Quinta area and to the Coachella Valley as a whole. The tournament is estimated by some to have generated around $150 million for the Coachella Valley just since 2020.
Through its charitable foundation, Impact for Golf, the tournament will again bring in life-affirming support for organizations that uplift community members and families, with funds being directed to nonprofit organizations dedicated to health and wellness, youth sports, family support, education and homelessness. Charity recipients include Boys and Girls Clubs, Family YMCA of the Desert, Galilee Center, and Find (Food In Need of Distribution) Food Bank, for whom The Amex has just scored naming rights.
McCabe said, “We anticipate another year with $25 million in economic impact brought about by attendees across the valley and throughout the country and beyond, sponsors, hospitality partners, volunteers, players, caddies and of course spectators.”
Daily Grounds tickets begin at $85 for access to Thursday’s first round on January 22 and for the final round on Sunday, January 25. Admission on Friday and Saturday, January 23 and 24, is $135 and includes the post-round concert each day.
For the most deluxe experience, fans can visit the private Champions Club, presented by Wealthspire, located around the 18th hole of the Stadium Course. It includes a preferred parking pass and features a climate-controlled tent and open-air deck with hosted breakfast and lunch, snacks and a full bar all day. Daily tickets are $475-525. Champions Club members holding tickets to Friday’s and Saturday’s concert days get in on access to an upgraded VIP viewing area near the stage with a complimentary full bar. American Express cardholders can receive 20% off the ticket price for Daily Grounds and Champion Club tickets for The 2026 American Express.
Other refreshment stations and public venues at PGA West’s Stadium Course include The Turn, Michelob Ultra Beers For Birdies (at the Alcatraz hole offering beer discounts any time a pro makes a birdie on the hole), Bushmills Whiskey Lounge and Corona Premier Par-Tee Lounge.
McCabe said, “A lot of people don’t realize how much work is involved for one week of temporary build out, with thousands of volunteers and thousands of square feet of activity space, which takes over two months to set up. At the same time, it’s fascinating, and it allows us to create a safe, enjoyable event for everyone involved. It positions us to ensure we have happy spectators, players and sponsors for 2026, 2027 and beyond.”
theamexgolf.com
The American Express
January 19-25, 2026
PGA West Stadium and Nicklaus Tournament Courses
56-150 PGA Boulevard, La Quinta, CA 92253
La Quinta Country Club
77-750 Avenue 50, La Quinta, CA 92253
All tickets are digital and must be purchased online at www.theamexgolf.com
(20 percent discount when using American Express card)
facebook.com/theamexgolf
X (@TheAmexGolf) and Instagram (@TheAmexGolf)
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SIDE BOX:
The Amex schedule highlights
* Thursday, Jan 22 – Round 1
* Friday, Jan 23 – Round 2 + Old Dominion concert
* Saturday, Jan 24 – Round 3 + OneRepublic concert
* Sunday, Jan 25 – Final Round