Sepp Straka Clinches the Title at The American Express 2025 Golf Tournament
The 66th American Express wrapped up on Sunday at the PGA WEST® Pete Dye® Stadium Course, with Josef "Sepp" Straka taking home the $1,584,000 first-place purse and coveted trophy. Despite two bogeys on the 16th and 18th holes, Straka secured the win with a 2-under-par 70. Justin Thomas trailed closely behind by two strokes, while Jason Day and Justin Lower tied for third, both shooting 69 to come in at 22 under. This marks Straka's third PGA Tour title since turning pro after completing college at the University of Georgia. Straka has also played on the Korn Ferry Tour, PGA Tour Canada, and European Tour in the 2023 Ryder Cup.
Other tournament highlights included 17-year-old Blake Brown making his pro debut at the tournament with six back-to-back birdies during his second round on Friday, January 17. Kris Ventura wowed the crowd with a hole-in-one from 208 yards on the 13th hole of the Stadium Course. On Thursday, Sami Valimaki made a hole-in-one on the 12th hole of the Nicklaus Tournament Course, becoming the first Finnish player to do so on the PGA Tour. Defending champion Nick Dunlap, who won the 2024 event, tied for 34th. Tour golfers playing the Stadium Course for the first time since its extensive restoration called it a "must-play," citing factors like new challenges and firm greens.
As always, The American Express® Concert Series drew crowds Friday and Saturday nights, featuring award-winning country music group Little Big Town on Friday and iconic rock band Journey on Saturday. Little Big Town wowed the audience during a 90-minute set with popular hits like "Boondocks," "Pontoon," "Wine, Beer, Whiskey," "Girl Crush," and impressive covers of tunes by the Beatles, Elton John, and Fleetwood Mac. Journey rocked the outdoor venue with a diverse set featuring fan favorites "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'," "Don't Stop Believin'," "Any Way You Want It," and "Faithfully," dedicating the song to firefighters battling the Los Angeles wildfires.
The fan experience was phenomenal as ever, with stunning public and private venues to take in the action, many featuring LED screens for close-up viewing, food, full bars, giveaways, signature apparel, and much more.
PGA WEST thanks American Express, the vendors, the staff, the volunteers, and everyone involved in contributing to this premier golf event.
Mark your calendars for next year's premier PGA Tour event--the 67th American Express® golf tournament is set for January 19-25, 2026.