The pro-am begins Thursday, with 156 pros playing with 156 amateurs on three desert courses -- the Pete Dye Stadium Course and Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA West and La Quinta Country Club. Here's our look at 10 players to watch when play begins Thursday:

Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay and Nick Dunlap Compete at The American Express at PGA West in La Quinta, Calif., – Thursday-Sunday Coverage on GOLF Channel Begins at 4 p.m. ET

Charley Hoffman and Rico Hoey both shot a 9-under 63 on the Nicklaus Tournament Course to share the lead Friday after two rounds at The American Express.

Beyond Xander lies a handful of stars in the 15/1 range, notably Justin Thomas (+1400) and Patrick Cantlay (+1600). JT finished T3 here and shot a 61 on Saturday. Cantlay finished T52 last year but did finish runner-up in 2021.

The American Express field features eight of the world’s top 25-ranked golfers but will miss out on Nos. 1 and 2 after each withdrew.

Thomas hadn't played in The American Express for years when he teed up in the 2024 event in La Quinta. The result was a tie for third in La Quinta including a tournament record-tying 61 in the ...