The 2026 PGA Tour season continues its West Coast Swing with a stop in La Quinta. The American Express tournament remains a key part of golf history. It debuted in 1960 as the Palm Springs Desert Classic. Arnold Palmer won the first edition of the event. The tournament later became known as the Bob Hope Desert Classic. It helped define the golden era of desert golf.
The event is famous for its long-running pro‑am format. Amateurs play with professionals during the first three rounds. This creates a lively and social atmosphere in the Coachella Valley. The tournament shifted to a 72‑hole format in 2012. It now stands as one of the most entertaining stops on the PGA Tour.
Stars Ready to Compete at PGA WEST
The 2026 event runs from January 22 through January 25. World Number 1 Scottie Scheffler headlines the field. He makes his season debut in La Quinta. Defending champion Sepp Straka also returns to compete. Patrick Cantlay joins a strong group of contenders. Major winners Wyndham Clark and Brian Harman add even more depth.
Players compete across three elite courses in the region. The rotation includes the Pete Dye Stadium Course and the Nicklaus Tournament Course. La Quinta Country Club also hosts part of the event. The final round returns to the Pete Dye Stadium Course. The layout features the famous island green on hole 17.
Topgolf and Concerts Elevate the Fan Experience
The American Express offers entertainment far beyond the fairways. Fans can enjoy interactive fun at the Topgolf fan zones. These areas bring a modern and energetic feel to the event. They offer new ways for spectators to connect with the sport.
The 2026 concert series adds major star power to the weekend. Old Dominion performs on Friday, January 23. OneRepublic headlines the Saturday show on January 24. Both concerts take place on the PGA WEST driving range after play. The mix of golf and live music makes the event a top destination.
Broadcast and Streaming Details for 2026
Fans can follow the tournament through several broadcast partners. Coverage is available on television, streaming, and radio platforms.
Television Schedule (Eastern Time):
- Thursday, Jan. 22: 4:00 PM–7:00 PM (Golf Channel)
- Friday, Jan. 23: 4:00 PM–7:00 PM (Golf Channel)
- Saturday, Jan. 24: 4:00 PM–7:00 PM (Golf Channel)
- Sunday, Jan. 25: 4:00 PM–7:00 PM (Golf Channel)
Streaming and Digital:
- ESPN+: Featured groups begin at 11:30 AM ET
- Peacock: Streams all Golf Channel windows
- SiriusXM: Live PGA Tour Radio coverage each day
