Min Woo Lee Sends a Clear Message as the American Express’ Place on Tour Is Questioned
PGA, Golf Herren The American Express - First Round Jan 22, 2026 La Quinta, California, USA Min Woo Lee hits his tee shot on the ninth hole during the first round of The American Express golf tournament at the Nicklaus Tournament Course. La Quinta Pete Dye Stadium Course California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xDenisxPoroyx 20260122_djc_pt6_004
PGA, Golf Herren The American Express - First Round Jan 22, 2026 La Quinta, California, USA Min Woo Lee hits his tee shot on the ninth hole during the first round of The American Express golf tournament at the Nicklaus Tournament Course. La Quinta Pete Dye Stadium Course California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xDenisxPoroyx 20260122_djc_pt6_004
Min Woo Lee is tied for the lead at the American Express. But the bigger story is whether the tournament itself will exist next year.
After taking a share of the first-round lead at the 2026 American Express, Min Woo Lee spoke with ASAP Sports, where he was asked about reports that the event’s spot on the PGA TOUR schedule could be affected by a condensed calendar next year.
Min Woo Lee said he isn’t paying much attention to the reports about the PGA TOUR potentially reshaping its schedule, because his focus is simply on playing.
PGA, Golf Herren The American Express - First Round Jan 22, 2026 La Quinta, California, USA Min Woo Lee hits his second shot on the ninth hole during the first round of The American Express golf tournament at the Nicklaus Tournament Course. La Quinta Pete Dye Stadium Course California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xDenisxPoroyx 20260122_djc_pt6_008
PGA, Golf Herren The American Express - First Round Jan 22, 2026 La Quinta, California, USA Min Woo Lee hits his second shot on the ninth hole during the first round of The American Express golf tournament at the Nicklaus Tournament Course. La Quinta Pete Dye Stadium Course California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xDenisxPoroyx 20260122_djc_pt6_008
Still, he made it clear he values the American Express and enjoys starting his year there, saying, “I love this tournament” and calling it “a great place to start the year.”
He also pointed out that with so many tough, major-style weeks on the calendar, it helps to have an event like this where players can go low. In the end, Lee hopes it remains on the schedule, adding, “I would love it to be on the schedule… next year and years to come.”
A condensed PGA Tour schedule is being discussed to keep top players together and reduce clashes with the NFL playoffs, and that could force changes to several events, including the American Express.
Even so, the tournament has factors working in its favor. American Express remains committed as the title sponsor, with its deal running through the 2028 season.
The event also stands out for its three-course rotation, which supports a full 156-player field and a 54-hole cut.
In addition, the 2026 lineup includes World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and other top names, strengthening the case for its place on the calendar.
Still, nothing has been finalized, and the Tour will decide what the schedule looks like from 2027 onward.
Min Woo Lee, Round 1 of the 2026 American Express
Min Woo Lee is tied for first after Round 1 of the 2026 American Express, posting a 10-under 62 on the Nicklaus Tournament Course.
He shares the lead with Pierceson Coody, while Scottie Scheffler, Jason Day, and Patrick Cantlay sit one shot back at 9-under 63. Lee’s bogey-free card featured 10.
Lee’s bogey-free 62 featured 10 birdies and marked his career-low round on the PGA Tour. Lee said his round started with strong driving, which left him with short wedges and consistent yardages into the greens.
From there, he converted chances by making putts, adding that “driving and everything was the key,” and that “holing out on the greens was really nice.”
He also explained that he recently changed his grip about a week and a half ago, so he wasn’t sure how it would feel under pressure, but he was encouraged to see it pay off right away.
What do you think, should American Express keep its spot on the PGA Tour schedule, or is it time for the Tour to make room for a new format?
Written by
Aditi Singh
Edited by
Oajaswini Prabhu