In a remarkable performance, 18-year-old golf prodigy Blades Brown fired a 12-under 60 to tie world number one Scottie Scheffler for the lead after the second round of The American Express in La Quinta, California, marking a historic moment in PGA Tour history. This stunning round catapulted the teenager into contention in just his 10th PGA Tour start, showcasing his rapid rise in professional golf and capturing the attention of the sports world.
Brown, a Tennessee native who skipped college to turn professional last year, earned his spot in the tournament through a sponsor exemption. His round on Friday was nearly flawless, with the only blemish being a missed eight-foot birdie putt on the ninth hole that would have given him a 59, which would have been only the 15th sub-60 round in PGA Tour history. Despite this near-miss, his 60 set a new course record at the Jack Nicklaus Tournament course at PGA West, highlighting his exceptional skill and composure under pressure.
The event saw Brown tie Scheffler, who carded a bogey-free 64 but expressed dissatisfaction with his own play. Scheffler, the top-ranked golfer in the world, now faces unexpected competition from the teenage newcomer as they head into the weekend rounds. Brown acknowledged the significance of sharing the leaderboard with Scheffler, stating it means a lot but emphasized that there is still much golf to be played, reflecting a mature outlook for his age.
Brown’s journey to the tournament was as dramatic as his round. He had just competed in the Korn Ferry Tour’s Bahamas Great Abaco Classic, where he finished tied for 17th, before rushing to California. He used a coupon for a private jet he won two years ago to make the six-hour flight, arriving late Thursday night after a quick turnaround from his previous event, which included grabbing fast food and groceries before a short sleep.
The young golfer’s schedule is grueling; he is set to play his seventh round in as many days on Saturday, and if he makes the cut, he will become the first player in modern history to play eight competitive rounds between the PGA and Korn Ferry tours in consecutive days. When asked about his plans between rounds, Brown joked about taking a nap and getting some food, highlighting his relaxed demeanor amid the intense pressure of professional tournament play.
Brown’s performance has drawn attention not only for his skill but also for his poise and gratitude. In interviews, he expressed love for competing on the PGA Tour and blessedness for the opportunity, demonstrating a humble attitude that endears him to fans. His ability to manage the logistics of back-to-back tournaments while maintaining focus on the course underscores his professionalism and potential for a long career.
Looking ahead, the weekend promises intense competition as Brown and Scheffler battle for the lead, with Brown teeing off on Saturday alongside David Ford. All eyes will be on whether he can sustain his momentum and potentially secure a breakthrough victory, which would be a monumental achievement for the teenager and signal the arrival of a new star in golf. This event adds an exciting chapter to The American Express, highlighting the unpredictable and inspiring nature of sports where emerging talents can challenge established champions.
