Min Woo Lee and Pierceson Coody share the lead after the opening round of The American Express tournament. Both players set the pace with strong performances, while world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is just one shot behind following a 9-under-par 63.
Lee and Coody each carded opening-round scores of 10-under 62 to top the leaderboard at the start of the multi-course event in La Quinta, California. The American Express takes place across the PGA West Stadium Course, the Nicklaus Tournament Course, and La Quinta Country Club over the first three days before finishing on the Stadium Course.
Scheffler, who has held the top spot in the Official World Golf Ranking since 2022, played a consistent and aggressive round. He made birdies on half of his 18 holes, putting himself in strong contention heading into the remainder of the tournament. Scheffler’s 63 was highlighted by precise iron play and putting, contributing to one of the tournament’s best rounds on the opening day.
Coody, a rookie on the PGA Tour and grandson of 1971 Masters champion Charles Coody, showed poise and accuracy throughout his round. He closed with several key birdie putts that placed him atop the board alongside Lee. Lee, a 25-year-old Australian with experience on both the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour, continued his solid form with a bogey-free round that included 10 birdies.
The American Express is one of the PGA Tour’s first full-field events of the calendar year and features a selection of top-ranked international players along with rising stars. The field will rotate over the three courses through the third round before the final cut, after which only those making the 54-hole cut will play the final round on the PGA West Stadium Course.
With several players within striking distance of the lead, the second round promises to offer more low scoring and leaderboard movement. Coverage of The American Express continues throughout the weekend.
