Following an incredible two-week swing in Hawaii to start off the 2025 season, the PGA Tour returns to the mainland United States for the third event of the year, the 66th edition of The American Express, in La Quinta, California. The American Express this week has a great field, regardless of Rory McIlroy and many of the LIV Golf stars are teeing it up in Dubai.
This year’s competition, which takes place from January 16 to 19, will once more put the best players in the world to the test on three legendary courses: La Quinta Country Club, the Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA West, and Pete Dye Stadium Course.
Golfers can anticipate both new obstacles and a sense of nostalgia as the Stadium Course undergoes recent improvements. However, which holes will set the candidates apart? Let’s check out the top three holes that could determine whether a champion makes it or not.
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The American Express 2025: the three hardest holes
In the American Express, among the birdie chances are several holes that are meant to test the mettle of even the best of players. Three holes this year are particularly noteworthy as the pinnacles of accuracy, approach, and mental toughness.
The 18-foot Bunker on the Par-5 16th Hole at PGA West (Stadium Course): The Stadium Course’s 16th hole is a challenging par-5 that is more than 600 yards long and tests players’ strength and accuracy from the very first tee. Its greatest obstacle? The infamous greenside bunker, which is 18 feet deep, is frequently referred to as the “sand cavern.” Any poorly thought-out approach shots will be punished by this massive danger that lurks close to the green. Restoring the bunker’s flat-bottomed shape during recent restorations has made it even more harsh and complicated this already challenging hole.
The Par-3 17th Hole at PGA West (Stadium Course): Known as “Alcatraz,” the 17th hole on the Stadium Course is one of the most recognizable obstacles in golf. This par-3 is roughly 168 yards long and has a striking island green that is surrounded by rocky stones and encircled by water. Here, there is tremendous pressure to make a precise tee shot because a mistake might send the ball directly to the water and jeopardize the opportunity of making the point. The green’s dimensions and form have been returned to their previous dimensions after recent renovations, and the addition of more difficult pin placements makes even a two-putt extremely difficult. As players negotiate its high-stakes drama, this hole has changed the game over the years and frequently shakes up the leaderboard.
The 17th Hole at the PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course in La Quinta: With its strategically placed bunkering and well-guarded green, the 17th hole on the Nicklaus Tournament Course is a par 3 that offers a distinctive task. The heated desert atmosphere and sporadic wind gusts have an impact on this 209-yard hole from the Championship tees, which is situated 56 feet above sea level. Although this hole is not very frightening, it does need accuracy and careful club selection. With reconstructed bunkers and greens that faithfully capture Jack Nicklaus’s original design intent, the most recent course upgrades have guaranteed that this hole will continue to be a tough test.
As the competition progresses, it will be exciting to watch how the pros handle these difficult obstacles and, more importantly, who will win the ultimate title. Let’s dig!
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Justin Thomas set to shine
As he strives to end his two-year winless streak, Justin Thomas is the center of attention among the top. Thomas, who is currently ranked 21st in the world, has made it apparent that he wants to add another victory to his stellar record of 15 PGA Tour triumphs. After considering his recent performances, Thomas stated, “The next step is winning, winning, and winning more.”
Having finished in the top 10 six times last year and coming close to winning with two top-3 results in the latter part of the season, he is well-positioned to build on his present success. Given his impressive performance at La Quinta last year, where he shot 27-under to finish tied for third, the American Express offers him a great chance to recapture the winner’s circle.
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As Thomas quickly tees off, both observers and fans are eager to see if he can overcome all of the challenges on the course and prevail, snapping his winless streak and solidifying his place among the best in golf. It appears that the American Express 2025 will be an exciting competition and golf fans are in for a treat as the action plays out in California’s arid land, with impressive course characteristics and elite players competing for victory. Are you excited to watch Thomas on the course? Let us know your views in the comment box!