Scottie Scheffler has kicked off his 2026 PGA Tour season with a strong performance at the American Express Championship in La Quinta, California. After an impressive 2025 that saw him rise to world number one, Scheffler is aiming to add this title to his growing list of achievements.
The tournament, held at the Pete Dye Stadium Course, features a competitive field including defending champion Sepp Straka from Austria, who will be looking to defend his title. Other notable players such as Ryan Gerard and Patrick Rodgers, who both secured top finishes at the Dubai Invitational last week, are also in contention. German hopefuls Stephan Jäger and Matti Schmid represent the German-speaking contingent, adding local interest to the event.
Strong Start for Scheffler on the PGA Tour
Scheffler’s form coming into the new season is promising. The American star has been consistent throughout 2025, but a victory at the American Express Championship would mark an important milestone in his career. His ability to handle the challenging Pete Dye Stadium Course will be crucial as he battles against a field packed with talent.
Key Contenders and German Presence
Sepp Straka, the Austrian who won the tournament last year, returns with the confidence of a defending champion. His experience on the course makes him a serious threat. Meanwhile, Ryan Gerard and Patrick Rodgers have shown strong form recently, finishing second and third respectively at the Dubai Invitational. Their momentum could play a significant role in the outcome of this event.
German players Stephan Jäger and Matti Schmid are also competing, aiming to make an impact on the PGA Tour stage. Their participation highlights the growing presence of German-speaking players in international golf tournaments.
Broadcast and Coverage
The American Express Championship is broadcast daily on MagentaTV from Thursday to Saturday, starting at 17:30 CET. Golf fans can follow the action live and keep up with the latest developments as the tournament unfolds.