In a thrilling display of talent, 18-year-old Blades Brown came remarkably close to achieving a momentous feat during the recent rounds of The American Express tournament. Just shy of making history, he missed a 6-foot birdie putt that would have secured him a score of 59, leaving him tied for the lead with renowned golfer Scottie Scheffler.
Brown, who embarked on his professional journey just last year and is only weeks away from finishing high school, faced a whirlwind of events leading up to this moment. On the Nicklaus Tournament course at PGA West—known as the easiest of the three courses in play—he required just a single birdie over the last three holes to clinch a remarkable round in perfect golfing conditions.
As he approached his final hole, a par-4 ninth, he struck a gap wedge just right of the pin. Having observed fellow golfer David Ford's putt on the same line, Brown took his chance but unfortunately watched his ball graze the edge of the cup, eliciting a collective gasp from the spectators.
Despite the near-miss, Brown expressed his excitement, stating how thrilled he felt about his performance and humorously mentioning his need for what he referred to as a "fat nap" after the round.
Last year, Brown earned his Korn Ferry Tour status and had just returned from a tournament in the Bahamas that concluded on Wednesday. Utilizing a flight voucher from his previous top-50 finish at the Myrtle Beach Classic, he flew privately to Palm Springs, arriving at his hotel around 8 p.m. the night before the tournament began, where he was participating thanks to a sponsor exemption.
Now, heading into the weekend, Brown finds himself sharing the spotlight with one of golf's elite players. "I'm eager to see what unfolds next," he remarked, showcasing his enthusiasm for the competition ahead.
Scottie Scheffler, though not as sharp as his first round, still managed a commendable bogey-free 64, much to the delight of the large gallery that gathered to watch him play just two groups ahead of Brown. Having started on the easiest courses, Scheffler faced the challenge of the Stadium Course in his upcoming round. He struggled initially, being only 2 under through the first eight holes, but regained momentum by sinking a birdie at No. 18 and following up with two more birdies soon after.
Reflecting on his performance, Scheffler acknowledged the rocky start but emphasized his ability to remain patient and not force opportunities. "We’re halfway through, but I’ve positioned myself well after two solid rounds and look forward to another good day tomorrow. Then we’ll see where we stand come Sunday," he said optimistically.
Typically regarded as a relaxed tournament nestled among the stunning Coachella Valley, this year's event sold out, thanks in part to Scheffler being a major drawing card in what has been described as one of the strongest fields in recent years. Additionally, this year's spotlight shines on Brown, who was tantalizingly close to becoming the youngest player in PGA Tour history to score under 60.
Brown made waves early on, achieving an impressive 8 under through just seven holes, which included six birdies and a remarkable eagle putt from 25 feet on No. 11 after starting on the back nine. "Once we turned to the front nine, I thought to myself, ‘Let’s grab a couple more birdies and see how low we can go.’ When I reached the 18th tee, I knew what I needed for 59, and I came so close," he recounted.
Interestingly, at the same time Brown was attempting to make his own history, Andrew Putnam was on the 18th hole at La Quinta, also aiming for a birdie to break the 60 mark. However, both players ended up making par. With half of the tournament behind them, the anticipation now shifts to a weekend filled with potential, with Scheffler and Brown both at a striking 17 under 127.
While Scheffler may not know much about Brown apart from his rapid rise to professionalism while still in high school, he remains impressed. "I heard he played in the Korn Ferry event in the Bahamas without realizing it ended just days ago, so he’s clearly in good form," Scheffler said with a smile.
He commented on the new generation of golfers entering the scene, suggesting they have an advantage due to their lack of accumulated pressure compared to seasoned players. "When young players come on tour, they understand the need to post some impressive scores to establish their names. It seems like an 18-year-old shooting a 59 is an excellent start to a promising career," he noted.
Before Brown's close attempt at the 59, it was already clear that his performance was nothing short of impressive—not just for someone his age but for any competitor. Meanwhile, Si Woo Kim, a previous champion, shot a solid 65 on the tougher Stadium Course and sits just one shot behind, with a host of other talented players not far behind him either.
At the halfway mark of the tournament, eleven players are within three shots of each other, including notable names like Rickie Fowler and Wyndham Clark, who trail by three. The competition remains intense, with the cut yet to be determined until all players have completed the rounds on all three courses.
