The PGA Tour’s start to 2025 goes from bad to worse with triple blow confirmed ahead of The American Express tournament

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The PGA Tour’s California swing starts this week as three courses get ready to host The American Express.

The PGA West Pete Dye Stadium Course, La Quinta Country Club and the Nicklaus Tournament Course will all be used before a 54-hole cut takes place after Saturday’s third round. The Stadium Course will be used for the final round.

Several big names were scheduled to compete in the first event on the PGA Tour calendar held on the US mainland.

However, after recent events, the Amex field has taken a hit.

PGA Tour face triple blow after latest withdrawal

World number one Scottie Scheffler was scheduled to compete at the Amex. However, the two-time Masters winner will now miss the event after damaging his hand on Christmas Day. Scheffler is expected to return at the AT&T Pro-Am.

With the world number one absent, Xander Schauffele was the highest-ranked player expected to compete in La Quinta. However, Schauffele unexpectedly withdrew on Monday evening, presenting another setback for the PGA Tour.

Schauffele’s absence means world number seven Wyndham Clark is the highest-ranked player in the field.

Rory McIlroy, who has yet to start his PGA Tour season, won’t be in La Quinta. The Northern Irishman is playing the Dubai Desert Classic in the UAE before heading to California to play the AT&T Pro-Am.

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PGA Tour need big names back playing

The absence of Scheffler, Schauffele, and McIlroy is a significant loss for the PGA Tour. At a time when interest in golf’s traditional circuit is waning, organisers desperately need at least one of the top-ranked players to feature.

The Sentry viewing figures were significantly down from 2023 and 2024, and it’s clear fans aren’t overly interested in watching Hideki Matsuyama completely blitz a course which is nowhere near competitive.

What’s more, several big names opted to miss the Sony Open. Despite an entertaining finale, interest in the event at Waiʻalae Country Club was low.

Hopefully, viewing figures will begin to climb once Scheffler, McIlroy, and Schauffele return and start competing regularly on the PGA Tour. Right now, it’s a genuine concern.