La Quinta, California – Sepp Straka outlasts Jason Day, Justin Thomas, and a star studded leaderboard to capture his third PGA Tour victory as the 2025 American Express Champion. This is Straka’s first victory since July of 2023 so it has been a while since Sepp’s last time in the winners circle.
This week had plenty of star power at the top of the leaderboard. Recent TGL participant Rickie Fowler had a good start with a second round 62 but came back down to Earth and finished in a tie for 21st. Justin Thomas however showed some flashes of returning to major championship form with his second place finish this week. He posted a final round 66 for a solid week in the desert. Ryder Cup star Patrick Cantlay also played well finishing in a tie for fifth place after posting four rounds in the 60s, including a second round 64.
Don’t let the low rounds fool you though. There was plenty of drama, most notably coming in the form of a deep bunker on the left side of the green at hole 11. Many posted high scores on the hole but none worse than PGA Tour rookie William Mouw, who made an octuple bogey (13) after hitting into the bunker and not able to efficiently get out.
Ohio resident PGA Tour veteran Jason Day did not have trouble at the eleventh hole, showing out in the desert this week to challenge Straka. Jason started strong with an opening round of 64, followed up by a 66 and 67. His final round of 67 was not quite good enough though to top Straka’s consistent play all week.
This week was ultimately all about Sepp Straka. His solid play led him to not making a bogey until his 70th hole which only came because he was protecting a four stroke lead on Sunday. Even heading into the final hole on Sunday, he held a three stroke lead. Either way, it was enough to lift the hardware as the 2025 American Express Champion. 
Next week, the PGA Tour heads to San Diego for the Farmers Insurance Open where Matthieu Pavon is the reigning champion.
Sepp Straka’s What’s In The Bag:
Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Max 9 degrees (Fujikura Ventus Blue 6X)
3 Wood: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond 15 degrees (Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Orange 80 TX)
7 Wood: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond 20 degrees (Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Orange 80 TX)
Irons: Srixon ZX7 Mk II (4-9) (True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100)
Wedges: Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore (46°, 52°, 56°, 60°) (True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400)
Putter: Odyssey Stroke Lab Tuttle
Ball: Srixon Z-Star Diamond
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