GOLF.AI • Jan 20, 2026

Amex Shines Under PGA Tour's Axe

The American Express tournament is facing a profound paradox. This week, it will host its strongest field in history, a direct result of The Sentry no longer being a Signature Event. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is making his season debut, joined by a star-studded group of first-timers including major champions Matt Fitzpatrick and Adam Scott, as well as rising superstar Ludvig Åberg.

Yet, at the very moment the tournament flexes its muscles with this influx of elite talent, its future is under threat. A new business-first vision from PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp is considering a shortened, more streamlined schedule for 2027. This potential overhaul has placed The American Express, along with fan-favorites like the WM Phoenix Open and Farmers Insurance Open, on the chopping block.

This situation creates a compelling conflict that serves as a microcosm of the PGA Tour's larger identity struggle. It pits the Tour's new corporate strategy against its own history and community-focused traditions. As The American Express enjoys its moment in the sun with a historic field, it is simultaneously fighting for its survival, and its fate will be a defining indicator of the PGA Tour's direction for the next decade.