Teen Golf Sensation Blades Brown Ties Scheffler with 60 at American Express
18-year-old golf prodigy Blades Brown made headlines during the American Express tournament in La Quinta, California, tying with Scottie Scheffler at the top of the leaderboard. Brown shot a remarkable 60 on the Nicklaus Tournament Course, falling just shy of a historic round. He narrowly missed a birdie putt that would have given him a score of 59, a feat that would have made him the youngest player in PGA Tour history to achieve this milestone.
Blades Brown’s Impressive Performance
Brown’s day began with a stunning start as he quickly went 8 under par through just seven holes, which included six birdies and a 25-foot eagle putt on the par-5 11th. As he approached the final hole of his round, he needed one last birdie to secure a score of 59. However, after missing the 6-foot putt, he ended the day tied at 17-under 127 with Scheffler.
Chasing History
During the last hole, Brown watched fellow competitor Andrew Putnam also vie for a score below 60 on the 18th hole but both players ended up making par. Despite missing the opportunity for a historic round, Brown expressed his excitement, stating, “I’m so stoked.” Having graduated high school just weeks earlier, his transition to professional golf has been rapid. Last year, he earned Korn Ferry Tour status and played a tournament in the Bahamas prior to arriving in Palm Springs.
Scottie Scheffler’s Steady Play
Scottie Scheffler, the current top-ranked golfer in the world, recorded a bogey-free score of 64 on the same course. However, his round did not start as strongly as he had hoped, beginning with two-under through eight holes. Scheffler demonstrated patience throughout his round, particularly on the back nine, where he scored three consecutive birdies.
Excitement Surrounding the Tournament
The American Express tournament in the Coachella Valley has attracted significant attention. With a saturated field and sellout galleries, spectators are eager to see how the weekend unfolds. Zealous for a final charge, Scheffler highlighted Brown’s impressive play, noting that young players possess less pressure than their more experienced counterparts, which allows them to perform exceptionally.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament progresses into the weekend, both Brown and Scheffler remain in strong positions. The 18-year-old is gaining recognition for his talent, which could set the stage for a promising future in professional golf. With several more players in close contention, including past champion Si Woo Kim, the journey toward the title is just heating up.
- Leader after two rounds: Blades Brown and Scottie Scheffler (17-under 127)
- Blades Brown’s eagle: 25-foot eagle putt on No. 11
- Missed milestone: Brown’s missed birdie putt to shoot 59
- Upcoming challenge: Scheffler faces tougher conditions on the Stadium Course
With many contenders poised to strike, the American Express tournament is shaping up to be an exhilarating weekend for golf fans.
