Charley Hoffman leads American Express tournament at 48

Charley Hoffman shares halfway lead with Rico Hoey after an impressive second round.

Charley Hoffman of the United States tees off on the first hole during the second round of The American Express 2025 at the Nicklaus Tournament Course on January 17, 2025, in La Quinta, California. Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images

By Yuni Utomo and Widya Lestari

Charley Hoffman, seeking his fifth US PGA Tour title, delivered a stunning performance on Friday, carding 10 birdies for a nine-under-par 63. The 48-year-old veteran now shares the halfway lead with Rico Hoey at the American Express tournament in La Quinta, California.

Hoffman’s remarkable round on the Nicklaus Tournament Course puts him at a 16-under total of 128, marking his strongest contention for a title since his last victory in 2016. For Hoffman, this tournament holds special significance—it was here, in 2007, that he claimed his first PGA Tour win.

Despite the changes to the tournament’s courses over the years, Hoffman continues to thrive in the event’s pro-am format.

“I think somewhere inside me I embrace the pro-am aspect,” Hoffman said, reflecting on his enjoyment of playing alongside amateur golfers. “I really do enjoy playing with amateurs, getting to know them, and trying to help them play a better round of golf than I do.”

Friday’s round showcased his exceptional form, particularly on his back nine, where he closed with six birdies. Starting on the 10th hole, Hoffman’s four consecutive birdies from the fifth to the eighth set the tone for his impressive performance.

“Solid,” Hoffman said of his round. “I was hitting fairways and attacking into the greens, hitting some wedge shots close, and making a few putts.”

Young talent

Rico Hoey, a 28-year-old from the Philippines, matched Hoffman’s 63 on the Nicklaus course. Hoey, chasing his first US PGA Tour title, demonstrated composure and precision as he carded 10 birdies, including a stretch of six birdies over seven holes from the seventh through the 13th.

Rico Hoey of the Philippines reacts to his round as he walks off the 18th green during the second round of The American Express 2025 at the Nicklaus Tournament Course on January 17, 2025, in La Quinta, California. Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images

“It was kind of just keeping it in front of me,” Hoey said. A Southern California native, Hoey is still adjusting to the PGA Tour in his second year but expressed admiration for veterans like Hoffman, Patrick Cantlay, and Rickie Fowler.

“Keeping up with them, that’s all I’m trying to do,” he added.

The leaderboard remains tightly packed, with Justin Lower, Mark Hubbard, and Sepp Straka tied for third at 15-under-par 129. Lower posted a six-under 66, while Hubbard and Straka impressed with bogey-free eight-under 64s on the Stadium Course, known to be the toughest in the tournament. Straka’s finish was particularly strong, closing with three consecutive birdies.

Australian Jason Day and American J.J. Spaun are tied for sixth at 130, while Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler, and Canadian Nick Taylor are one shot behind at 131.

Blades Brown, a 17-year-old American making his professional debut, turned heads with an eight-under-par 64 on Friday. Brown’s 10 birdies give him a chance to make the cut after the third round, a notable achievement for such a young competitor.

The American Express tournament, held annually in the California desert near Palm Springs, is a celebrated event with a unique format. It features three courses—the Nicklaus Tournament Course, the Stadium Course, and La Quinta Country Club—and a mix of professional and amateur players.

Hoffman, who has experienced the tournament’s evolution from celebrity-filled pro-ams to corporate-focused events, continues to enjoy the mild weather and camaraderie that the event offers.

Hoffman’s quest for a fifth title

Charley Hoffman of the United States signs autographs for volunteers on the first hole during the second round of The American Express 2025 at the Nicklaus Tournament Course on January 17, 2025, in La Quinta, California. Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images

As Hoffman heads into the weekend, he is focused on maintaining his momentum and capitalizing on his strong start. At 48, winning the American Express tournament would mark a significant achievement, reaffirming his status as a seasoned competitor capable of excelling among golf’s rising stars.

With Rico Hoey and a host of talented players close behind, the competition promises an exciting conclusion. Hoffman’s experience and form will be key as he seeks to add another chapter to his storied career.