Power Opens The American Express with a Strong Five-Under 67
Séamus Power began his week in California with a burst of precision and confidence, shooting a five-under 67 on Thursday at The American Express. Playing across the resort-style La Quinta layout, Power showcased a well-rounded game that included six birdies, a couple of strong up-and-downs, and a reminder that he can contend on this multi-course PGA Tour setup.
The American Express, staged at La Quinta, is unique in its format and venue selection, with rounds spread across three courses—the Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course and the La Quinta (PGA West) layouts, plus the Nicklaus Tournament layout’s shorter, tighter holes. This structure tests a player’s adaptability as they navigate a blend of scoring opportunities and longer approach shots. Power embraced that challenge on Thursday, hitting greens with authority and converting when it mattered most.
Birdie Barrage: Power’s Six Red-Letter Holes
Power’s round featured a run of six birdies that punctuated an otherwise steady front nine and helped him reach his 67. He capitalized on several mid-range putts and seized any chance to drive the momentum. The round was marked by smart course management—avoiding costly mistakes and maintaining a clean scorecard on the challenging par-fours that often determine the day’s narrative at The American Express.
As the afternoon sun warmed the fairways, Power relied on solid ball control and a reliable iron game to set up birdie chances. While birdie streaks are always a compelling storyline, his ability to parlay early looks into a solid back nine underlined his readiness to contend as the tournament progresses. In a field loaded with depth across the PGA Tour, that kind of start can serve as a confidence pillar going into Friday’s rounds.
Course Dynamics and Power’s Strategy on a Multi-Course Week
The American Express’s format requires players to adapt to different course aesthetics and demands. The Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course typically features strategic bunkering and mid-length greens, while the other layouts challenge players with longer approach shots and more demanding green complexes. Power’s approach Thursday reflected a thoughtful game plan: keep the ball in front of the pins, attack where risk-reward is favorable, and avoid the big numbers that can derail a solid start.
For Power, this week is also an opportunity to test his form across a spectrum of layouts and pin positions. If he can maintain his current level of ball striking while sharpening his short game under tournament pressure, he stands a credible chance to post a low score across the three-course test at La Quinta.
What a Strong Start Means Moving Forward
With rounds still to play, Power’s five-under opening round provides him a pathway to a meaningful finish. The early momentum is a valuable asset, particularly in events where the field is compact and the scoring conditions are favorable on some holes while punitive on others. Power’s goal will be to sustain the consistency that produced the six birdies and to minimize the lapses that can turn a good round into a marginal one.
Beyond personal ambition, a strong showing at The American Express can bolster Power’s standing as he builds toward the season’s more significant majors and WGC-caliber events. A confident start often translates into steady execution over the next two days, which is precisely what his team and supporters will be hoping for as he navigates the diverse terrain of La Quinta this week.
Looking Ahead
As Round 2 approaches, all eyes will be on how Power handles the evolving conditions and the multi-course format. With a solid 67 already on the books and the ability to string together rounds on different layouts, the Irishman has positioned himself as a player to watch in the early stages of The American Express. Fans and analysts alike will be tuned in to see how his game translates into continued success on the complex, scenic courses of La Quinta.
