2026 American Express Friday Tee Times: Complete Round 2 Pairings and Schedule
The 2026 American Express continues Friday, January 23, with an exciting second round at the desert’s most prestigious courses in La Quinta, California. After Thursday’s opening salvos, the field returns to tackle three championship layouts: La Quinta Country Club, Pete Dye Stadium Course, and Nicklaus Tournament Course.
This year’s tournament features not just one but two major storylines making their 2026 PGA Tour debuts. While world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler’s return draws headlines, Swedish sensation Ludvig Aberg’s presence adds another layer of intrigue to what promises to be a compelling week of desert golf.
Ludvig Aberg: The Other Big Story
While Scottie Scheffler isn’t the only star player making his PGA Tour debut this week, Ludvig Aberg brings his own compelling narrative to the desert. After a winless 2024 season that had critics questioning his trajectory, the 26-year-old Swedish professional silenced doubters by capturing his second-career Tour victory at the 2025 Genesis Invitational.
That victory wasn’t a fluke. Aberg backed it up with five other top-10 finishes throughout 2025, ultimately finishing T21 in the final FedEx Cup standings—a solid performance that demonstrated consistency alongside his obvious talent. His year culminated with a triumphant appearance on his second winning European Ryder Cup team, where his partnership play and individual prowess reminded the golf world why he’s considered one of the game’s brightest young stars.
Now Aberg is back on the PGA Tour at the American Express, hoping to kick off his best season yet. His Friday Round 2 tee time of 1:31 p.m. ET alongside Harris English at the Nicklaus Tournament Course gives fans prime viewing opportunity to watch the Swedish star in action.
Viewing Information for Friday's Round
Golf fans have multiple options to catch all the Friday action from the American Express. Golf Channel provides comprehensive television coverage from 4-7 p.m. ET, offering expert analysis and tournament coverage as the field navigates the second round.
For those who prefer streaming or want extended coverage, PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ delivers exclusive early coverage starting at 11:30 a.m. ET and running until 4 p.m. ET. This streaming package also includes featured group coverage and featured hole streaming, allowing viewers to follow specific players throughout their rounds or watch the action unfold at key holes across the three courses.
The Three-Course Rotation Challenge
What makes the American Express unique among PGA Tour events is its three-course rotation format. Players compete across La Quinta Country Club, Pete Dye Stadium Course, and Nicklaus Tournament Course for the first three rounds before the cut determines which players advance to Sunday’s final round exclusively at the Stadium Course.
Each course presents distinct challenges:
- La Quinta Country Club: Known for its generous fairways and scoring opportunities, this classic desert layout rewards aggressive play while punishing wayward shots into the desert landscape.
- Pete Dye Stadium Course: The namesake of legendary architect Pete Dye, this course features dramatic bunkering, water hazards, and risk-reward opportunities that separate the bold from the cautious.
- Nicklaus Tournament Course: Designed by the Golden Bear himself, this layout combines strategic design with pristine conditioning, demanding both power and precision from competitors.
Featured Friday Pairings
Several marquee groupings highlight Friday’s second round schedule. The Scottie Scheffler and Justin Rose pairing at 11:41 a.m. ET from Nicklaus Tournament Course’s 10th tee represents the day’s premier attraction. Scheffler, who has dominated the last four seasons on the PGA Tour with a boatload of victories and four consecutive Player of the Year awards, faces questions about whether he can possibly extend his dominance to a fifth straight year.
His presence carries extra significance given that he intended to start last season at the American Express as well, only to have a freak injury over Christmas keep him out of the field. Now healthy and ready to pick up where he left off, the four-time major champion begins his 2026 campaign with high expectations and the familiar weight of being golf’s best player.
Other notable pairings include Brian Harman and Max Homa at 12:58 p.m. ET from La Quinta Country Club’s 10th tee, Sahith Theegala and Patrick Rodgers at 1:20 p.m. ET from La Quinta’s 10th, and Will Zalatoris with Daniel Berger at 1:31 p.m. ET from Nicklaus Tournament Course.
Complete Friday Tee Times
For golf enthusiasts who want to follow specific players or plan their viewing schedule, the complete Friday tee times are available through the official PGA Tour website. The detailed schedule breaks down all pairings across the three courses, including both morning and afternoon waves.
La Quinta Country Club Highlights
The La Quinta Country Club hosts a strong contingent of talent on Friday, with tee times beginning at 11:30 a.m. ET. Notable groups include Tom Kim and Lee Hodges, who tee off at 1:31 p.m. from the first tee, and the Sahith Theegala-Patrick Rodgers duo launching from the 10th tee at 1:20 p.m.
Pete Dye Stadium Course Action
The Stadium Course features equally compelling matchups, including Matt Fitzpatrick paired with Adam Scott at 12:36 p.m. from the first tee, and Patrick Cantlay with Ben Griffin at 12:58 p.m. Wyndham Clark and Robert MacIntyre add another intriguing pairing at 12:14 p.m., showcasing the international flavor of modern professional golf.
Nicklaus Tournament Course Standouts
Beyond the Aberg-English and Scheffler-Rose pairings, the Nicklaus Tournament Course hosts several other groups worthy of attention. Rickie Fowler teams up with Nico Echavarria at 12:03 p.m. from the 10th tee, while Russell Henley and Akshay Bhatia follow at 12:14 p.m.
Strategic Implications for Round 2
Friday’s second round becomes crucial for players looking to position themselves for the weekend. The 36-hole cut looms, and with three different courses in play, course management and consistency become paramount. Players must balance aggression on scoring opportunities with smart, conservative play on the desert tracks’ numerous hazards.
Weather conditions in the California desert typically favor scoring, with calm winds and clear skies allowing players to attack pins aggressively. However, the unique challenge of alternating between three distinct courses tests versatility and mental preparation in ways that single-course events cannot.
Betting and Fantasy Considerations
For those interested in tournament wagering or fantasy golf lineups, Friday’s round offers crucial data points. Players performing well on specific courses might gain advantages as the tournament progresses, particularly since the final round returns exclusively to the Pete Dye Stadium Course.
Historical performance at the American Express shows that elite ball-strikers who can take advantage of scoring opportunities while avoiding the desert landscape’s penalties tend to rise to the top of the leaderboard. The premium on accuracy off the tee and approach play makes this tournament particularly suited for players who combine distance with precision.
The Road to Sunday
As the second round unfolds Friday, the tournament picture will begin to clarify. The three-course format means players are still adjusting to different conditions and course requirements, but patterns will emerge regarding who has the game to contend through the weekend.
The cut line typically falls around even par or slightly under at the American Express, meaning players who struggled on Thursday will need solid Friday performances to ensure weekend play. Conversely, those who posted low numbers Thursday can afford to play more conservatively, protecting their position while setting up birdie opportunities.
Historical Context
The American Express has long been a season-opening favorite for many tour professionals, offering ideal conditions and a fan-friendly format that combines professional golf with celebrity pro-am participation. The tournament’s three-course rotation has produced memorable finishes and launched many players’ seasons on positive trajectories.
Previous champions have used victories here as springboards to successful seasons, making the tournament more than just another early-season event. For players like Aberg and Scheffler making their 2026 debuts, strong performances here can set the tone for the entire year ahead.
Conclusion
Friday’s second round of the 2026 American Express promises compelling golf across three championship courses. Whether you’re watching Ludvig Aberg look to build on his resurgent 2025 season, Scottie Scheffler begin his quest for a historic fifth consecutive Player of the Year award, or any of the other talented players in the field, the action will be accessible through multiple viewing platforms.
With ideal desert conditions, three distinct courses testing different aspects of the professional game, and a field loaded with talent, Round 2 represents a crucial stepping stone toward Sunday’s championship finale. Tune in via Golf Channel from 4-7 p.m. ET or catch the early action on PGA Tour Live through ESPN+ starting at 11:30 a.m. ET to witness all the drama as it unfolds in La Quinta.