In a stunning display of skill and composure, 18-year-old golfing prodigy Blades Brown has captivated the sports world by shooting a remarkable -12 par 60 during the second round of The American Express tournament in California. This extraordinary performance places him in a tie for the lead with world number one Scottie Scheffler, marking the first time in 43 years that an 18-year-old has achieved such a feat on the PGA Tour.
Brown’s record-breaking round at the Nicklaus Tournament Course not only shattered the existing course record but also established the lowest PGA Tour round by a teenager in over four decades. His impressive start included six birdies and an eagle within the first eight holes, setting the stage for a potential historic 59. However, a missed birdie putt on the 18th hole left him with a final score of 60.
Brown’s Meteoric Rise in Professional Golf
The young phenom’s rapid ascent in the golfing world has been nothing short of meteoric. Turning professional in 2025 at the age of 17, Brown bypassed the traditional college route to compete against the world’s elite golfers. Despite his youth, he has already participated in nine PGA Tour events, with his best finish being a tie for 34th at the Mexico Open and Bermuda Championship last year.
This latest achievement at The American Express tournament underscores Brown’s potential to become a dominant force in professional golf. His performance has drawn comparisons to other teenage sensations who have made their mark on the sport, such as Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, both of whom began their careers with similar promise.
The Unique Format of The American Express
The American Express tournament is renowned for its distinctive three-course format, which adds an extra layer of complexity and challenge for the 156 players in the field. Competitors rotate between the La Quinta, Nicklaus, and Pete Dye courses over the first three days, with a cut after the third round reducing the field to approximately 65 players for the final round.
Brown’s exceptional round of 60 was matched only by fellow American Andrew Putnam, who achieved the same score on the La Quinta course. Meanwhile, Scottie Scheffler, known for his consistency, carded scores of 63 and 64 across the first two rounds, making him a formidable contender for the title.
International Contenders and Australian Hopefuls
The tournament has also seen strong performances from international players, including Australian star Min Woo Lee, who led after the first round but slipped back to -11, six shots behind the leaders. The best-placed Australian is young gun Karl Vilips, who sits at -12 after rounds of 67 and 65. Veteran players Adam Scott and Jason Day remain in contention, both at -10.
As the tournament progresses, the competition remains fierce, with several contenders within striking distance of the lead. The leaderboard is tightly packed, featuring standout performances from players like SW Kim and SH Kim, who are just one and two shots behind the leaders, respectively.
Looking Ahead: The Path to Victory
As the tournament heads into its final stages, all eyes will be on Brown and Scheffler as they vie for the top spot. Brown’s remarkable talent and poise under pressure have already made him a fan favorite, while Scheffler’s reputation as the best golfer in the world makes him a formidable opponent.
The outcome of The American Express tournament will not only determine the winner of the $US9.2 million ($A13 million) event but could also signal the emergence of a new star in the golfing world. Regardless of the final result, Blades Brown’s historic performance has already left an indelible mark on the sport, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting career.
AMEX LEADERBOARD – ROUND 2
S. Scheffler -17
B. Brown -17
SW. Kim -16
SH. Kim -15
M. McCarty -15
Australians
K. Vilips -12
MW. Lee -11
A. Scott -10
J. Day -10
