Kim Tops American Express; Scheffler and Teen Brown Trail by One Shot
Blades Brown is making waves at The American Express in La Quinta, California. The 18-year-old golfer enters the final round just one shot behind the leader, Si Woo Kim, and tied with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. Brown’s youthful enthusiasm shines through as he enjoys the tournament atmosphere, even taking time for a quick game of “paper, scissors, rocks” with a young fan.
Final Round Showdown
Si Woo Kim leads the tournament at 22-under 194, after carding a solid 6-under 66 on Saturday. Both Brown and Scheffler managed to score 68 at the challenging Stadium Course, where Brown finished with three consecutive birdies. His final putt from 45 feet rounded off an impressive performance, demonstrating remarkable skill for his age.
Historical Context
If Brown wins, he could become the youngest victor on the PGA Tour in nearly a century. The record is held by Young Tom Morris, who won his first British Open at age 17, and Charles Kocsis, who won the Michigan Open at 18 years and six months. Brown is just a couple of months younger than Kocsis, making the prospect of his victory even more significant.
Challenges Faced
Despite the pressures of competing against seasoned players, Brown appears unfazed. He recently participated in a Korn Ferry Tour event, finishing tied for 17th before flying to California. Scheffler praised Brown’s ability to compete at such a high level after an exhausting schedule, noting the difficulty of back-to-back tournaments.
- Brown’s age: 18 years
- KIm’s score: 22-under 194
- Scheffler’s rank: No. 1 player in the world
- Potential youngest winner record: Brown aiming to surpass an 18-year, 6-month threshold
Future Foes
As the final round approaches, excitement builds. Brown is eager to challenge his peers, including Kim and Scheffler, with whom he has played frequently. Their camaraderie off the course adds an interesting dynamic to the competition, creating an atmosphere of friendly rivalry.
With several players in close contention, including Wyndham Clark and Eric Cole, who are just two shots behind, the Sunday showdown promises to be thrilling. The stage is set for a remarkable conclusion to The American Express, as all eyes turn to La Quinta.
Ultimately, the tournament at PGA West could mark a historical moment in golf, highlighting the meteoric rise of young talents like Brown and paying homage to past legends like Kim.
