Teenager Brown Shoots 60 to Share American Express Lead
In a thrilling round at The American Express, 18-year-old Blades Brown showcased his golfing prowess. He tied for the lead with professional Scottie Scheffler after an impressive performance on January 21, 2026. Brown narrowly missed a 6-foot birdie putt on the final hole that would have given him a remarkable score of 59.
Blades Brown’s Journey and Performance
Brown, who turned pro just last year, is fresh from his high school graduation. He attained Korn Ferry Tour status and recently participated in a tournament in the Bahamas. Using a flight voucher from his top-50 finish at the Myrtle Beach Classic, he arrived in Palm Springs at 8 PM before The American Express.
On the Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA West, Brown needed just one birdie over the last three holes. Despite a promising start, he faced disappointment as his final putt grazed the edge of the hole, leaving him tied with Scheffler at 17-under 127.
Tournament Highlights
The tournament has been buzzing with excitement, particularly due to Scheffler’s presence. He played a solid round, carding a bogey-free 64, despite feeling he could have performed better in the initial holes.
- Blades Brown tied for the lead at The American Express with Scottie Scheffler.
- Brown nearly broke 60, which would have made him the youngest in PGA Tour history.
- He started at 8-under after seven holes, including six birdies and an eagle.
- Scottie Scheffler had a steady performance, finishing with three birdies on the back nine.
- Both players are tied at 17-under, setting up an exciting weekend.
Brown’s impressive performance garnered attention, propelling him to the forefront of golf discussions. As he stepped onto the 18th tee box, he was fully aware of the stakes, needing a birdie to reach the coveted score.
Future Outlook
With the tournament poised at its halfway mark, the competition remains fierce. Scheffler and Brown lead the pack, but seasoned golfers like Si Woo Kim and Rickie Fowler are closely behind, ready to capitalize on any opportunity.
The weekend promises to deliver more thrilling moments as these players battle for victory in the picturesque settings of the Coachella Valley. Brown’s journey in professional golf continues, and all eyes will be on him as he strives for excellence at such a young age.
