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The program is designed to provide young people with a rewarding opportunity to participate in a unique behind-the-scenes experience at the tournament. Cohen Havrey and Maleyna Gregorio were given and experience that they will never forget!  My Experience as a Standard Bearer at the 2022 American Express by Cohen Harvey How could I not jump at the opportunity to get a front row seat to the sport I love? So, that’s exactly what I did when I was offered the chance to participate as a standard bearer for the AMEX. It was everything I hoped it would be and more. What a truly wonderful and quite incredible experience this was! Walking behind the ropes with the professionals, the very best in the sport, facing off against each other was eye-opening. The first day, Friday, was filled with excitement and I was eager to see who I’d be the standard bearer for. My fellow First Tee teammates and I arrived early at the event. I walked to the volunteer tent and got prepared to head out. Little did I know that this would be the day I’d be fortunate enough to get to work with the 2011 number one ranked player in the world, Luke Donald, and the amazing four time PGA tour winner, CT Pan. What a fantastic way to start this adventure. Walking the entire 18 holes offered an eye-witness to some inspiring shots. Watching players at this level allowed me to pick up so many tips and tricks. After the round, I got some signatures, talked with the players about their rounds, and took some pictures I’ll cherish forever. That night I was able to enjoy my first concert. Maroon Five performed many of their popular songs. The energy felt by being in a crowd of music-loving fans was exciting. My second day was Saturday. The weekend felt different. There was an amazing sense in the air, a building of anticipation. I knew the day would be interesting based on the windy conditions. Again, I went to the volunteer tent to get ready to head out. But first I wanted to watch the pros. My coaches let me walk down to the range and watch them hit. Every shot, a perfect one. It was truly spectacular. After making my observations and taking a lot of videos for my own practice sessions, I headed back to the tent to see who I would be with for the day. Today I walked with FedEx cup winner Bill Haas and 7 time winner on tour Jonathon Byrd. I appreciated all the thoughtful work these two golfers were able to present. Overall, today offered a lot of great observational information that I can incorporate in my own golf game. The cherry on top was meeting Rickie Fowler and Phil Mickelson, who signed my First Tee shirt. I’m never washing it! Later this evening I was able to enjoy my second concert, performed by Brad Paisley. He was so entertaining and really engaged the crowd with his performance and humor. Sunday, my last day as a standard bearer and the final day of the tournament came. This was the day that something I never could have dreamed of happened. I was paired with the current number one professional golfer in the world, Jon Rahm. This trio also included Davis Riley and Brian Harmon. Playing at this level with the immense pressure to perform really highlighted the difficulty of this sport and the respect I have for these professionals. If you are ever offered the opportunity to enjoy such a close, behind the scenes view of an event of this magnitude, I encourage you to do so. It was such a great opportunity. One I will cherish forever.  Inside the Ropes by Maleyna Gregorio Some people would say that the highlight of their weekend was going to the farmers market or watching the Sunday night football game. Mine, on the other hand, happened to be walking inside the ropes for six hours and having conversations with some of the biggest names on the PGA Tour. This past weekend the American Express tournament was hosted just down the street from my house. I had the great privilege to have attended all four days of the tournament with The First Tee of the Coachella Valley. Each day of the tournament I took on the responsibility to be a standard bear (carrying a ten pound scoreboard for a group of players) and may I just say, it has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. Round two of the tournament I got to walk with Jason Day and Justin Rose (or as most people call him Rosey). Now not only was I starstruck but I was completely amazed at the dialogue that happens between the caddie and the player, the attitude they have whether it’s a good or bad shot, and what their mindset is after trying to save an up and down for par. Just as Justin Rose hit his tee shot off the sixteenth hole on the Stadium Course, it just so happened that we were walking beside each other headed towards the fairway and he asked, *in a british accent* “Do you play golf?” *in my head I am going nuts* I respond: “Why yes, a lot actually, I absolutely love it.” He looks and makes eye contact with me: “Well that’s great! Do you want to go pro?” I say: “That’s the goal! I’m currently talking to D1’s and D2’s about collegiate golf.” Eye contact once more: “That’s wonderful! Proud of you! I’ll be sure to see you on tour.” If you could see the emotions going through my head after that small conversation that Justin Rose had with me, I mean it would be chaotic. Not only am I going to remember that for the rest of my life but it’s an inspiration for me to continue doing what I love to do most in this world. After the round ended, I ended up getting a signed ball and a picture with both of them. But, that’s not the end of my wonderful day… After the sun went down, the driving range lit up with lights for the Maroon 5 concert. And may I just say it was AMAZING! Round three of the tournament I got to walk with Harry Higgs and Pat Perez. Both of them were in the zone and mainly focused on either staying in contention or making the cut. So, I first hand got to see the ups and downs of their round. But after eighteen holes, it just so happened that Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler were paired together a couple groups after mine. So as they walked out of scoring I not only got photos with them but I actually had a conversation with them as well! One would think that life couldn’t get any better right? Wrong. Life did in fact get even better. Last round of the AMEX, I got to walk with the twenty-twenty-one Fedex Cup champion himself, Patrick Cantlay! I was filled with euphoria. I introduced myself as he stepped onto the first hole and I can’t even put into words that moment, the eye contact, the fist bump, it was a better experience than being at Disneyland. Although I did not get to talk to Cantlay that much since he was in contention and was in the zone. I did get to see him sink some birdies and after his birdie on the fourteenth hole, he tossed his ball to me and I was indeed in shock. There’s a hundred more things that I could talk about but,I truly would not have been able to experience any of this without The First Tee of the Coachella Valley. The amount of opportunities they give to their students goes beyond what I just shared. The memories that were made this past week are ones that each one of us will remember for a lifetime. It just goes to show how much this organization cares about our youth and what they stand for with growing the game of golf along with each student. I am proud and beyond grateful to be a part of this wonderful organization.  Title Sponsor, American Express, helps TOUR continue sixty-two-year tradition in the Coachella Valley LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA — The PGA TOUR today announced American Express will continue its role as title sponsor of The American Express in La Quinta, California, through 2028. The annual tournament, which features a unique pro-am format, takes place January 20-23 at PGA WEST Stadium, PGA WEST Nicklaus and La Quinta Country Club. “Giving back to the community while celebrating the passions of our customers is at the center of what we do at American Express,” said Stephen J. Squeri, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of American Express. “We’ve seen the positive impact this tournament has on golf fans and the local community in the Coachella Valley. We’re honored to continue this legacy by extending our role as title sponsor and growing the total charitable funds raised to support so many outstanding local organizations focused on helping small businesses, the health and wellness of the community, youth sports, education and more.” Since its introduction in 1960, the tournament has generated approximately $63 million for numerous non-profit organizations in the Coachella Valley that enrich the lives of Valley residents. In just two short years, The American Express has since donated $2.1 million to Coachella Valley-based charity organizations and looks forward to continuing to make a significant impact within the local community for years to come. “Extending our partnership with American Express secures the future of PGA TOUR golf and its impact in the Coachella Valley for years to come,” said Jay Monahan, PGA TOUR Commissioner. “In the past two years alone, American Express has helped produce tremendous growth and awareness for this historic event, offering up a great field and a first-rate tournament experience. All this while generating significant charitable impact in the region.” World No. 1 ranked player Jon Rahm, FedExCup champion Patrick Cantlay and Phil Mickelson, a 45-time PGA TOUR winner and World Golf Hall of Fame member headline The American Express field. Si Woo Kim of South Korea, winner of The American Express last year by one stroke over eventual FedExCup champion Patrick Cantlay, returns in 2022 to defend his title. All four rounds throughout the weekend will be carried live on Golf Channel and streamed on ESPN+. 
Cantlay, The American Express’ runner-up last year, is the PGA TOUR’s reigning FedExCup champion and Player of the Year LA QUINTA, CALIF. – Patrick Cantlay, the PGA TOUR’s 2021 FedExCup champion and Player of the Year, has committed to play at The American Express from Jan. 20-23. The Long Beach, Calif. native and UCLA product led all golfers with four PGA TOUR wins in the 2020-21 season. Cantlay, ranked No. 4 in the world, enjoyed a banner year on TOUR in 2020-21 in winning four of his six PGA TOUR titles. He nearly won a fifth time last season while playing The American Express. He shot a PGA WEST Stadium Course-record 11-under-par 61 in the final round that earned him a runner-up finish with a score of 22-under 266, one stroke behind tournament champion Si Woo Kim. Cantlay impressively recorded 20 birdies over his final 36 holes at The American Express last year. Making his fourth appearance at The American Express, Cantlay will play alongside a field of 156 professionals and 156 amateurs which includes World No. 1 and 2018 tournament champion Jon Rahm and tournament host, 2002 and 2004 champion and World Golf Hall of Famer Phil Mickelson, who won his sixth major championship and 45th PGA TOUR title at the 2021 PGA Championship. Cantlay began his winning ways last season at the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP before claiming the Jack Nicklaus-hosted Memorial Tournament for the second time in three years and the last two events of the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup Playoffs – the BMW Championship and the TOUR Championship – over the summer. The American Express also received new playing commitments from:
All ticket options for The American Express are on sale at the tournament’s website, www.theamexgolf.com. “Patrick came so close to pulling off what would have been an amazing final-round comeback win at The American Express in 2021, and we’re delighted that he is returning to try to capture the title,” said Pat McCabe, Executive Director of The American Express. “We appreciate Southern California golfers who support our event, and Patrick should be a popular fan draw. Additionally, the merits of Jason Day, Justin Rose, Abraham Ancer and Sungjae Im continue to trend our field into perhaps our strongest in recent years.” Among the PGA TOUR’s longest-tenured tournaments and approaching its 63rd edition this month, The American Express is the first PGA TOUR regular season event in the continental U.S. each year and kicks off the TOUR’s West Coast swing. The American Express plays across PGA WEST’s Stadium Course (host venue) and Nicklaus Tournament Course and La Quinta Country Club from Thursday, Jan. 20 to Saturday, Jan. 22. The final round is played exclusively on the PGA WEST Stadium Course on Sunday, Jan. 23. The American Express Concert Series returns for its fifth year (since 2017) with two prominent and popular musical acts. Iconic Los Angeles pop rock band Maroon 5 will open the Concert Series after the conclusion of second-round play on Friday, Jan. 21, with heralded American country musician and songwriter Brad Paisley taking the stage after the tournament’s third round on Saturday, Jan. 22. The PGA WEST Stadium Course driving range makes for a great open-air concert atmosphere under the evening stars.
Rahm returns to the tournament where he claimed his second PGA TOUR title in 2018; Riverside County native and fan favorite Rickie Fowler, 2021 PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year Will Zalatoris and others to play in the 2022 The American Express tournament LA QUINTA, CALIF. – The American Express tournament, taking place this month, will host 2018 tournament champion, reigning U.S. Open champ and six-time PGA TOUR winner Jon Rahm, the world’s top-ranked golfer who committed to make his first U.S. mainland PGA TOUR start of 2022 at The American Express from Jan. 20-23, 2022. This marks Rahm’s fourth appearance at The American Express and his first since recording a sixth-place finish in 2019. Rahm will play alongside a field of 156 professionals and 156 amateurs, which includes tournament host, 2002 and 2004 champion and World Golf Hall of Famer Phil Mickelson, who won his sixth major championship and 45thPGA TOUR title at the 2021 PGA Championship. “There is no better boost to our player field than to welcome the world’s top-ranked golfer to the Coachella Valley,” said Pat McCabe, Executive Director of The American Express. “We are thrilled to have Jon return as a past tournament champ and help shape what will be an all-around, first-class event.” All ticket options for The American Express are on sale at the tournament’s website, www.theamexgolf.com. Rahm, the 27-year-old Spaniard, has won on the PGA TOUR in each of the past five seasons and, in 2018, became this tournament’s second-youngest champion at 23 years, 2 months, 11 days. In 2018, Rahm shot an opening-round 10-under-par 62 at La Quinta Country Club and entered his first PGA TOUR playoff following a bogey-free 5-under-67 in the final round on the PGA WEST Stadium Course. He defeated Andrew Landry with a birdie on the fourth playoff hole (18th hole) to capture his second career PGA TOUR win and move to No. 2 in the Official World Golf Ranking. The American Express also received commitments from five-time PGA TOUR winner and fan favorite Rickie Fowler - a native of Murrieta and Riverside County - and 2021 PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year (Arnold Palmer Award winner) Will Zalatoris, the 2021 Masters runner-up who is set to make his tournament debut. Twelve of the event’s past 14 champions are entered into The American Express field: defending champion Si Woo Kim, two-time winner Bill Haas (2010 and 2015 champion), Andrew Landry (2020), Adam Long (2019), Rahm (2018), Hudson Swafford (2017), Jason Dufner (2016), Brian Gay (2013), Mark Wilson (2012), Jhonattan Vegas (2011), Pat Perez (2009) and Charley Hoffman (2007). Last year, Kim shot four rounds in the 60s -- including a stellar final-round 8-under 64 on the Stadium Course – to win The American Express with a score of 23-under 265. The American Express received earlier commitments from World No. 15 and two-time PGA TOUR winner Tony Finau and World No. 13 Scottie Scheffler – teammates on the victorious 2021 United States Ryder Cup squad. Among the PGA TOUR’s longest-tenured tournaments and approaching its 63rd edition this month, The American Express is the first PGA TOUR regular season event in the continental U.S. each year and kicks off the PGA TOUR’s West Coast swing. The American Express plays across PGA WEST’s Stadium Course (host venue) and Nicklaus Tournament Course and La Quinta Country Club from Thursday, Jan. 20, to Saturday, Jan. 22. The final round is played exclusively on the PGA WEST Stadium Course on Sunday, Jan. 23. The American Express Concert Series returns for its fifth year (since 2017) with two prominent and popular musical acts. Iconic Los Angeles pop rock band Maroon 5 will open the Concert Series after the conclusion of second-round play on Friday, Jan. 21, with heralded American country musician and songwriter Brad Paisley taking the stage after the tournament’s third round on Saturday, Jan. 22. The PGA WEST Stadium Course driving range makes for a great open-air concert atmosphere under the evening stars.
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