In a remarkable display of talent, 18-year-old Blades Brown made headlines at The American Express in La Quinta, California. Competing in just his 10th PGA Tour event, Brown finished the second round in a tie for the lead with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.
Historic Performance at The American Express
Brown shot a stunning 12-under 60, setting a new record at the Nicklaus Tournament Course, part of the PGA West complex. Although he narrowly missed achieving one of golf’s rare feats—a sub-60 round—he remains proud of his performance.
Close to a Milestone
Missing an eight-foot birdie putt on the ninth hole prevented Brown from marking only the 15th sub-60 round in PGA Tour history. Reflecting on his accomplishment, he shared, “It’s the lowest round on the PGA Tour for me, and lots and lots of positives.”
Transition to Professional Golf
Blades Brown decided against attending college last year, choosing instead to devote himself to professional golf. This decision has already paid off, as he earned Korn Ferry status and has been competing in tournaments, including a strong showing at the Bahamas Great Abaco Classic.
Traveling for the Tournament
- Brown used a private jet coupon he won at Myrtle Beach to travel to La Quinta.
- Arrived late on Thursday, devoted time to rest, and prepared for the tournament.
“My second time ever flying private. It was beautiful,” Brown said about his travel experience. After a quick meal and preparation, he was ready to compete.
Weekend Outlook
Heading into the weekend, Brown expressed his excitement about sharing the leaderboard with Scheffler. “We’re only halfway there, and there’s a lot of golf to go,” he noted. Brown will tee off at 11:52 a.m. ET on Saturday alongside David Ford.
A Potential Record Set-Up
If Brown plays on Sunday, he will be the first player in modern history to compete in eight consecutive rounds across the PGA and Korn Ferry tours. His focus remains on executing shots and enjoying the challenge ahead.
Conclusion
Blades Brown’s impressive performance at The American Express demonstrates his potential in the world of golf. As he continues to defy expectations, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see what unfolds in the coming rounds.
