American Express returns for its 64th year. However, the PGA Tour event will miss previous champions, including the event’s former host, Phil Mickelson. He hosted the last three American Express tournaments. Another player missing in this year’s event is defending champion Hudson Swafford. They are now part of the LIV Golf tour.
After statements Mickelson made regarding the Saudi Arabians behind the LIV tour and Mickelson’s motivation for working with “dangerous” individuals to restructure the PGA Tour became public, the PGA Tour showed Mickelson and the Mickelson Foundation the door.
In addition, LIV players Abraham Ancer and Kevin Na are not present. So, what does this imply for American Express in 2023?
Just about nothing, if we’re being honest.
American Express Tournament without Mickelson
The American Express tournament organizers must work with the cards they have been dealt, which this year does not include Mickelson, Swafford, and a few others. However, American Express is still in the game.
Mickelson, who has been loved by spectators and sports betting fans but often resented by tournament organizers in the desert, will not participate this year. But, according to Korea sports news reports, the fact that Mickelson is 52 years old and far past his heyday doesn’t mean he won’t still bring in some spectators.
With two victories in the desert, the weather, and the golf courses, Swafford won’t be a factor until later in the week.
Despite a press conference from Swafford early in the week and a possible week-long tale from Mickelson, the American Express will be run in the same manner as usual. According to free sports betting odds experts, the tournament will feature talented players, unique courses, and maybe tense early-week weather.
Now, it’s not to suggest that the LIV golfers aren’t good. But unfortunately, it is the case, and some of these players are excellent and capable of making significant contributions to any event on the planet. However, not all of them have played in the desert before. Also, the tournament may continue with the players who aren’t suspended and have committed to attending.
