Power opens with a five-under 67 at The American Express
Séamus Power made a confident start to The American Express on Thursday, carding a five-under 67 that featured six birdies. The Irishman’s clean-ball striking and clutch putting helped him put himself in early contention as the PGA Tour event unfolds across California’s La Quinta Resort & Club. With favorable conditions and a patient approach, Power showed he’s ready to challenge for the title as the week progresses.
Understanding The American Express format
The American Express is known for its unique setup, often including three rounds staged across a trio of courses. This year, players rotate between the Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA West and the La Quinta courses, blending traditional links-style grinding with resort-style scoring opportunities. For Power, the new format offers multiple ways to gain momentum, navigate pin positions, and manage rounds as the field narrows over the weekend.
What stood out from Power’s round
Power’s scoring card was marked by consistent ball-striking and a burst of aggression when opportunities appeared. Six birdies on day one indicated a readiness to capitalize on scoring chances, especially on par-fours that reward precise approach shots and steady speed on the greens. The key to the round was a blend of patience and momentum—staying in control on the tougher holes while taking advantage of the shorter, birdie-friendly layouts when the wind cooperated.
Putting and course management
Putting looks to be one of Power’s strongest weapons this week. A few deft readings and silky pace on the greens helped convert several close opportunities. Course management-wise, he seemed to pick his spots well—avoiding major mistakes and keeping his fairways hit rate solid. In a tournament that rewards strategic play across multiple layouts, that combination often proves decisive come Friday and Saturday when the field begins to tighten.
The competition and what to watch next
Power sits among a crowd of contenders who scraped together under par rounds on a day when scoring varied with weather and course setup. The American Express tends to shuffle the leaderboard as players adapt to three different courses, each with its own quirks. Expect to see birdie runs and a few elevated rounds as the field shifts from the Nicklaus Tournament Course into the more open layouts at La Quinta. Keep an eye on how the other ballstrikers respond on the back nine, where the margins between leaders and chasers often shrink quickly.
What this start means for Power’s week
A five-under 67 gives Power early confidence and a clear plan for the rounds ahead. With the tournament’s format inviting variance—where scores can swing as players navigate different courses—he’ll be hoping to maintain the same level of focus and keep his short game sharp. The first day is rarely decisive in The American Express, but a strong start like this sets the tone and allows him to back his game on the greens and around the pins over the next two rounds.
Looking ahead
As the weekend approaches, Power will look to translate Thursday’s momentum into sustained scoring power. If he can pair his approach precision with consistent putting, a low-round strategy becomes feasible, potentially moving him into the upper half of the leaderboard. The combination of the three-course format and the California desert conditions will continue to test every facet of his game, from tee to green.
