There has been a lot of talk in recent times regarding a shift in the PGA Tour schedule.

A structural change as well as a timeline delay was on the agenda.

Amidst the proposed schedule changes that the PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp had talked about, the PGA tour has announced its first event of 2027, which is contradictory to what was being discussed.

The American Express is set to return in January 2027, according to The Desert Sun. It will keep its customary early-season slot, taking place once again in La Quinta from 21–24 January. 

This announcement comes rather opposed to what Rolapp had suggested. Rolapp was planning out a leaner circuit from 2027 onwards. It would feature around 20-22 events, aiming to bring the big names together often.

Rolapp’s leaner circuit would also reduce clashes with the NFL playoffs, which creates a clash in regard to TV viewership. However, The American Express will overlap with the NFL’s divisional playoff weekend in 2027.

The idea of improvising the PGA tour into a form of uniform, elite-level structure from the current signature-events structure was hailed by Mcllroy.

“It certainly swung the pendulum a little more in the PGA Tour's favour,“ McIlroy told reporters.

As The American Express confirmed, question remains whether it would be one of the proposed “premier” tier events or would be relegated to the second league.

A packed schedule could still be on the cards. Even though the start of 2027 was supposed to be in February, this recent announcement dismisses that.

How The American Express is Unique from Other Events?

The American Express is the only event on the PGA Tour played on three different golf courses during the same tournament and that makes it unique.

It has a delayed cut at 54 holes and is also the only full-field PGA Tour event that integrates a competitive pro-am format.

The tournament witnesses extreme low scores. Scottie Scheffler’s 27-under par kept him four shots ahead of everyone, making him this year’s champion.

As the tournament is included for the 2027 season, with less than a year to prepare, organizers must urgently begin in their preparation with the golf courses, sponsors and other requirements.

What do you think about the American Express event? Let us know in the comments!

Read more at Club Golf!

Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Kalp Thaker