PGA Tour Tips: Zalatoris can return to winning ways in The American Express

Rank outsider Matt Kuchar’s tied-seventh finish in the Sony Open last week made up for missed cuts for shorter-priced selections Jordan Spieth and Tom Kim. 

The each-way return was tasty, but you should expect normal service to resume this week as five of the world's top 10 will be in action in The American Express, which will be played on the Pete Dye Stadium Course, the Nicklaus Tournament Course and La Quinta Country Club in California.

A low-scoring tournament looks certain in an event where the average winning total over the past 10 years is a whopping 24-under par. And following on from his sensational win in the Sentry Tournament of Champions two weeks ago, Spaniard Jon Rahm is the favourite for the fourth time in his last six events worldwide.

The 28-year-old has played in this event four times in his career - the highlight being a victory back in 2018. But, at 7.6, he offers little value for money in a field that also boasts Patrick Cantlay (12.5), Scottie Scheffler (12.5) and Tony Finau (17.5) among others.

Jon Rahm: favourite to win The American Express 2023 at odds of 7.6

Despite respecting those elite-calibre players, my main pick is Will Zalatoris. Let's start with the elephant in the room: the American could be rusty given he has played just once since withdrawing after four holes in the BMW Championship in August due to a lower back injury. The PGA Championship and US Open runner-up had two herniated discs.

However, after rehabbing over the winter and switching to a shorter driver to take the pressure off his back, Zalatoris finished tied-11th in the Sentry Tournament of Champions in his first start for 138 days.

He has played The American Express just once in his career, but his tied-sixth finish last year - four shots behind 250-1 poke Hudson Swafford, who won’t be defending his title given he signed with LIV Golf last spring - bodes well for him this week.

As well as Zalatoris, add Sung-Jae Im to your shortlist. In an event that is heavy on big names, few players offer better value than the South Korean at odds of 24.

The 24-year-old from Cheongju has finished tied-12th, tied-10th, tied-12th and tied-11th in his four appearances in this event and, while one poor round has cost him each year, the world number 19 will be keen to make up for last week's missed cut in the Sony Open.

Those looking for a springer from the pack may fancy a flutter on Taylor Montgomery, who has finished outside the top 15 just once over the past six months. And, if you’re keen to dabble on the Korn Ferry Tour graduate, then don’t bypass world number 40 Sahith Theegala, who is also pushing hard for his maiden PGA Tour win.

The big-hitting Californian has more than enough firepower to break that duck this week and he's certainly great value at 60.

The American Express 2023 Tips

Will Zalatoris @ 23
Sung-Jae Im @ 24
Taylor Montgomery @ 50
Sahith Theegala @ 60