Just when you think there’s no way someone’s playing golf in January, the 2025 PGA Tour season is already 3 tournaments in! While the first two were played outside of the continental U.S. (in Hawaii, and we can’t blame them!), the first tournament in the mainland was held last weekend in California. The American Express golf tournament is a unique outing for several reasons, and its 2025 event was no exception.

What Is the American Express Tournament?

As we mentioned, the American Express tournament is a distinctive event on the tour. One of the differences between this tournament and others is the fact that all 156 golfers compete on a 3-course rotation across 72 holes of play, each guaranteed 3 rounds of play. The three courses they rotate are La Quinta Country Club, the PGA West Stadium Course, and the Nicklaus Tournament Course.

Another unique aspect of the American Express tournament are its cut rules. While the competitors are guaranteed a round at each course, the top 65 golfers (and any ties) continue the event after 54 holes of play vs. the traditional 36. It’s the only tournament on the tour to give golfers this opportunity, and this amount of play could aid the tournament’s historically low cut lines. While this year’s -9 cut seems steep, it’s tame compared to the -13 cut of the 2024 tournament.

Is There a Charity Involved?

Since its inception in 1960, this tournament has supported the American Express organization called Impact Through Golf Foundation. The foundation funds non-profit organizations in the Coachella Valley area supporting a number of efforts, including health and wellness, education, youth and family support, homelessness, DEI and capital improvement. Over the last 65 years, the American Express tournament has raised more than $66 million for groups like Fine Food Bank, the YMCA, and the Boys and Girls Club.

Who Won the 2025 Tournament?

After 3 long rounds, 71 golfers made the cut to compete for the $8.8 million purse. Josef “Sepp” Straka ended up on top with a 2-stroke lead, taking home just under $1.6 million. Straka took an early lead after the first 54 holes, and he battled Jason Day and Justin Lower to keep the first place spot. While he admitted to being all nerves, Straka maintained a poker face as he finished the tournament an impressive 25 under 263.

If this tournament is any indication of the rest of the 2025 PGA Tour, you won’t want to miss any of the action! It’s sure to be another exciting year of golf!