Get ready for an exciting golf tournament, folks! The 2026 American Express is about to kick off, and it's shaping up to be a thrilling event. But here's the catch: this tournament is not just about the favorites.
The PGA Tour is heading to California, and with it comes a fresh start for the year and a chance for some unexpected outcomes. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, fresh off two major wins in 2025, is the favorite at +250, but he hasn't cracked the top 10 in this event since 2020. That's a surprising stat, isn't it?
Other top contenders include Ben Griffin (+1700), Sam Burns (+2000), Patrick Cantlay (+2000), and Ludvig Aberg (+2000). But here's where it gets controversial: the SportsLine model, built by DFS pro Mike McClure, has some bold predictions that might just shake up the leaderboard.
This model has been on fire since the PGA Tour's return in 2020, raking in over $8,000 on its best bets. And now, after simulating the 2026 American Express tournament 10,000 times, it's calling for some unexpected results.
One of the model's surprises? Sam Burns, a favorite at +2000, is predicted to stumble and barely make it into the top 10. And get this: Matthew Fitzpatrick (+2700), with the eighth-longest odds, is a top-four contender! He could be the dark horse everyone's talking about.
But wait, there's more! The model's initial top-10 includes three other longshots at +2700 or higher. These golfers could be the key to a huge payday for anyone willing to take a chance.
So, are you ready to dive into the world of golf predictions and discover who these longshot contenders are? The 2026 American Express is about to begin, and you don't want to miss out on the action.
Remember, in golf, as in life, it's the unexpected twists and turns that make it all so captivating. And this tournament is shaping up to be a real page-turner.
Join the conversation in the comments! Do you agree with the model's predictions? Who do you think will surprise us all and make it to the top? Let's discuss and see if we can predict the unexpected together!
