2024 The American Express odds, picks and PGA Tour predictions
The PGA Tour is back in the Continental U.S. this week after 2 straight events in Hawaii, each of which had thrilling finishes. The 2024 American Express kicks off the West Coast swing of the schedule at PGA West in California, with a 3-course rotation of the Stadium and Nicklaus Tournament courses, as well as La Quinta Country Club.
The 1st round begins on Thursday morning from La Quinta, Calif. Below, we look at the 2024 American Express odds and make our PGA Tour picks and predictions.
Scottie Scheffler is teeing it up as the betting favorite once again, coming in with odds of +650. Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele are also in the field, tied with the 2nd-best odds at +1000. Last year’s champion, Jon Rahm, will not be playing after his departure to LIV Golf.
The Stadium Course is 7,113 yards and a par 72; the Nicklaus Tournament course is 7,159 yards and a par 72, and La Quinta Country Club is the shortest at 7,060 yards and par 72. La Quinta and the Stadium Course both have tiny greens and water is in play on all 3 courses. The winning score has been between 23-under and 27-under in the last 5 years.
The American Express – Expert picks
BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 6:20 p.m. ET.
Sungjae Im (+2000)
Im has played this tournament the last 5 years and has never finished worse than T-18 or better than 10th. He has a strong track record in this event and already tied for 5th in The Sentry 2 weeks ago. He should be in good form at a course where he’s had success.
Tony Finau (+3300)
Finau had a disappointing showing at The Sentry, finishing 38th in the limited-field event. However, he’s finished 4th, 40th and 16th in The American Express the last 3 years.
The American Express picks – Contenders
Adam Hadwin (+5500)
Hadwin went 4 straight years with consecutive top-10 finishes here from 2016-2019, and while he’s finished between 18th and 32nd in each of the last 3 years, his experience in this 3-course event will serve him well. He finished 14th in The Sentry, but missed the cut last week in the Sony Open.
Si Woo Kim (+5000)
Kim was the champion of this event in 2021 and has finished 11th and 22nd in the 2 years since. He hasn’t missed the cut in his last 5 starts in this event and is coming off finishes of T-42 and T-25 in his last 2 starts this season.
The American Express picks – Long shots
Austin Eckroat (+12500)
Going back to Eckroat again this week in La Quinta where he missed the cut last year. He finished 42nd in the Sony Open last week, but he’s a promising young player who isn’t long off the tee, but that won’t hurt him on three shorter courses this week.
Erik van Rooyen (+10000)
van Rooyen finished 6th here last year after tying for 56th in 2021, playing this event in 2 of the last 3 years. He’s finished 22nd and 52nd in 2 starts this season but this could be his chance to round into form.
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