There is Hope for long shot at AmEx

The American Express has had many different names since its inception in 1960 when it was established as the Palm Springs Classic. Most remember and still refer to this event as the “Bob Hope” since it bore the entertainer’s name from 1965-2011.

This year’s tournament will be held at La Quinta, part of a three-course rotation. Here are some longer shots who are worth a wager to capture the title:

THE PLAYS Brendon Todd (35/1):

He’s come back to earth a little bit from winning back-to-back events last November in Bermuda and at Mayakoba in Mexico. However, Todd is worth a stab in a wide-open event where the betting favorites aren’t exactly in form as of yet. He was sixth here in 2014.

Vaughn Taylor (50/1):

Taylor is in very solid form coming into this week. He finished November with a T-2 at Mayakoba and a T-10 at the RSM Classic. Next, he opened the 2020 calendar year last week with a T-12 at the Sony Open. Taylor lives in Augusta, Ga., and is hunting a Masters invitation.

Andrew Putnam (55/1):

He’s made every cut thus far this season and is one of the better putters week in and week out on the PGA Tour. Putnam has some pedigree when it comes to playing desert golf.

Rory Sabbatini (60/1):

Sabbatini has made five straight cuts, and he got the taste of winning back for the first time since 2011 when he and partner Kevin Tway took down the QBE Shootout this past December.

Other players to watch:

Carlos Ortiz (100/1) and Bo Hoag (5/2 field at William Hill, 150/1 at Westgate).