Teen Golfer Dominates American Express Field with Historic Second Round
Bobby Jones famously referred to golf as “assuredly a mystifying game,” and a recent event showcased this sentiment perfectly. At just 18 years old, Blades Brown made headlines during his second round at The American Express in La Quinta, California. Competing in only his tenth career PGA Tour event, Brown delivered a stunning performance that put him in a tie for the lead with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.
Historic Round for Blades Brown at The American Express
Blades Brown shot an impressive 12-under par 60, setting a new course record at the Nicklaus Tournament Course in PGA West. He narrowly missed achieving a historic sub-60 round, falling short by a mere eight-foot birdie putt on the ninth hole. Despite the missed opportunity, Brown remains optimistic about his performance.
- Round Details: 12-under 60
- Course Record: Nicklaus Tournament Course, PGA West
- Current Standing: Tied for 1st with Scottie Scheffler
Path to Professional Golf
Brown’s journey to this point has been unique. A year ago, he made the bold decision to forgo college and chase a career in professional golf. This choice led him to secure Korn Ferry Tour status, which has allowed him to gain valuable experience on the circuit.
Recently, he competed at the Bahamas Great Abaco Classic, finishing tied for 17th. After that event, he utilized a private jet coupon—won at Myrtle Beach two years prior—to fly to California in time for The American Express.
Confidence and Focus Ahead
Entering the weekend, Brown expressed his excitement about competing alongside a seasoned player like Scottie Scheffler. “Scottie is an unbelievable player, and having my name next to his on the leaderboard means a lot,” he stated. With the final rounds approaching, Brown aims to maintain his focus and execute his game plan effectively.
As he prepares for the next challenge, Brown’s dedication continues to shine. He will tee off on Saturday at 11:52 a.m. ET, marking his seventh consecutive round of competitive golf. If he plays in the final round on Sunday, he will set a modern tour record for playing eight rounds in eight days across both the PGA and Korn Ferry tours.
Brown concluded with a light-hearted remark about managing his busy schedule: “I’m going to go take a nap after this, and probably get some food.” His combination of skill and humor suggests promising prospects for this young golfer.