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A long-running PGA Tour event could be at risk as the Tour considers major changes to its schedule. The American Express, a January fixture for decades, is facing uncertainty after its executive director raised concerns about how future calendar shifts could affect the tournament.
Pat McCabe, the tournament’s executive director, addressed the situation in an interview with the Palm Springs Desert Sun. With the PGA Tour discussing a possible overhaul that may push the season start to after the Super Bowl, McCabe admitted there is little clarity at the moment.
“We control what we can control,” McCabe said. (via SI.com)
He explained that while the tournament has agreements in place with the host course and hotels for its current slot, nothing beyond that feels certain.
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“I honestly don’t know. We have a contract in place with the golf course and the hotel to stage [the tournament] in our week. Everything is up in the air,” he added.
For now, events that could be affected by the changes are continuing as scheduled. Organizers are still waiting for clarity on the Tour’s long-term plans.
The American Express, formerly known as the Bob Hope Desert Classic, has been played since 1960 and has crowned champions such as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Billy Casper, Johnny Miller and Phil Mickelson. It has traditionally been held in January as part of the PGA Tour’s West Coast Swing.
The tournament’s current sponsorship agreement runs through 2028. McCabe noted that the event has dealt with uncertainty before, especially during periods when title sponsorship changed frequently.
“Sixty-seven years of history, iconic venue in PGA West, all the history that has taken place here,” McCabe said. “We all know a couple of years there, 2018, 2019 here. But since AmEx came on board in 2020, you’ve got increased charitable dollars, increased economic impact, you’ve got a title sponsor that is investing in sport.”
For now, organizers remain hopeful that the tournament’s history and current backing will help it get through the uncertainty. The 2026 American Express is scheduled to be played from January 22 to 25 and will be the PGA Tour’s second event of the season.
PGA Tour discusses possible changes to its schedule
The PGA Tour is discussing a possible reset of its schedule as part of a longer-term plan to reshape the product. One idea being considered would see the season trimmed significantly and potentially start after the Super Bowl.
If the changes go ahead, several familiar stops could be affected. Reports suggest the Hawaii Swing, Torrey Pines and other West Coast events may be at risk, with one of the Tour’s two Texas events also facing uncertainty.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp has previously talked about the value of running a tighter schedule, believing fewer events could help improve fields and overall interest. Tiger Woods, who heads the Future Competition Committee, has echoed that focus on building a stronger calendar over time.
“We’re trying to figure out what is the best schedule possible so we can create the best fields and have the most viewership and also the most fan involvement,” Woods said ahead of last week’s Hero World Challenge.
Those conversations have already reached the players. Woods and Rolapp reportedly met privately with the entire Hero World Challenge field before the event to explain how the Tour could change in the coming years.
