It’s January in the Desert and time for its Annual Music and Golf Festival
The American Express Tees Off with 156 PGA Tour players and 156 amateurs January 19-22
The American Express’ 2023 Concert Series at PGA WEST takes the stage January 20-21
The 64th edition of The American Express will showcase 156 professional golfers and 156 amateurs playing at PGA WEST’s Stadium Course (host course) and Nicklaus Tournament Course and La Quinta Country Club in La Quinta, Calif. from Jan. 19-22, 2023.
Some of the PGA TOUR’s top players have committed to play including Scottie Scheffler, Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele and Tony Finau. Canadians David Hearn and Nick Taylor have also made early commitments to play in the tournament.
The American Express, featuring a record $8 million purse, is the first PGA TOUR regular season event in the continental U.S. each year and kicks off the TOUR’s West Coast swing.
Three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning musicians Gwen Stefani and Darius Rucker will headline The American Express Concert Series. Stefani will perform Friday, Jan. 20, after the second round of The American Express on the PGA WEST Stadium Course driving range, with Rucker taking the stage Saturday, Jan. 21, after the third round.
The tournament’s Concert Series returns for its sixth year (after debuting in 2017) and enhances the overall tournament week fan experience by packaging popular musical entertainment with great local food and many of the world’s best golfers to create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere for spectators.
For the PGA TOUR player, especially those who earned the 50 PGA TOUR cards in 2022, an early start offers these players opportunities to get off to a quick start in their careers.
Canadians not only are avid golfers, but also comprise many of the homeowners throughout the Coachella Valley (Palm Springs to Coachella), Phoenix/Scottsdale and San Diego. Then, of course, the weather for these “Snow Birds” is the main reason for their presence. And how can you complain about beautiful golf courses that meander through stunning desert landscapes?
The Coachella Valley is by far the most popular area for the Canadians. Affordable housing and upscale golf communities, great hotels, plus the 100-plus golf courses, are the main attractions.
Golf courses in the desert are experiencing far more play than last year, home rentals are reasonably priced and the desert’s reputation, particularly for golf and weather, plus The American Express tournament, have attracted more people to desert courses than in recent years.
Many Canadians volunteer for tournaments and the “eh,” “aboot” (about), Ays are ubiquitous at all venues used at The American Express.
Daily ticket options (for as low as $50) for The American Express are now on sale at the tournament’s website, www.theamexgolf.com. American Express Card Members receive a 20% discount on any online ticket orders.
The daily Champions Club ticket allows spectators to experience The American Express in the grandest fashion. Ticket holders receive a preferred parking pass and access to the Champions Club – a private, climate-controlled venue on the 18th green of PGA WEST’s Stadium Course which offers a hosted breakfast and lunch, snacks and a full bar all day – as well as all public fan venues at PGA WEST’s Stadium Course and the tournament grounds.
Champions Club tickets are $250 per day for Thursday’s first round (Jan. 19) and Sunday’s final round (Jan. 22), and $399 per day for Friday’s second round and Saturday’s third round. Champions Club ticket holders on Friday’s and Saturday’s concert days are welcomed access to an upgraded VIP viewing area near the stage with a complimentary full bar during each concert.
Daily Premium Pass tickets are a new tournament offering and provide access to the grounds, public fan venues at PGA WEST and the brand new, exclusive Club 18 venue, situated behind the 18th green of the Stadium Course and including lunch, beer and wine. Premium Pass tickets for Thursday’s first round (Jan. 19) and Sunday’s final round (Jan. 22) are $125 each day. Premium Pass tickets for Friday’s second round and Saturday’s third round (includes admission to the post-round concert) are $199 each day.
Daily grounds tickets (general admission to the grounds at PGA WEST and La Quinta Country Club and public fan venues at PGA WEST) for Thursday’s first round (Jan. 19) and Sunday’s final round (Jan. 22) are $50 each day. Grounds tickets for Friday’s second round and Saturday’s third round (includes admission to the post-round concert) are $79 each day.
On concert days (Jan. 21-22), daily Premium Pass and grounds ticket holders may purchase a VIP concert upgrade, providing access to the VIP concert viewing area near the stage and a complimentary full bar during each concert, for an additional $100.
Weekly Champions Club ($899), Premium Pass ($399) and grounds ($179) tickets, which grant event admission from Thursday, Jan. 19-Sunday, Jan. 22, are available while supplies last.
The American Express will be closed to the public from Jan. 16-18.
Follow The American Express on Facebook (www.facebook.com/theamexgolf), Twitter (@TheAmexGolf) and Instagram (@TheAmexGolf).
Barry Lotz, J.D., Ph.D. is the director of the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America. Visit www/facebook.com/PGTAA to see all the latest mental strategies, travel and equipment reviews. Currently he also works with between 10 to 12 PGA Tour players on the mental side of golf.
He is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and serves both as a Consultant and Mediator to the golf industry. He is also the author of numerous books, including “333 Best Web Sites for Golfers” and his previous book, “How to Build Business Relationships through Golf”, is still in the Top Ten Golf Business Book’s best seller list. His latest book, “The Right Mind for Golf”, is now in its 12th reprint is available on Amazon and at the Torrey Pines golf course.
Editor’s Note: The PGTAA is being represented by Dr. Lotz. He will be in attendance and welcomes any PGTAA members to drop by the Stadium course’s putting green, visitor’s area, to say hello.