Imagine an 18-year-old golfer shattering records and pushing the limits of what’s possible on the PGA Tour. That’s exactly what Blades Brown did at The American Express, where he fired a historic 60 to set a new course record at the Nicklaus Tournament Course. But here’s where it gets even more remarkable: he was just one stroke shy of becoming the youngest player ever to shoot a 59. Talk about a near-miss that still leaves the golf world in awe.
Brown’s incredible Round 2 performance came down to a single putt on the ninth hole. Though it didn’t drop, he remained upbeat, telling Golf Channel, ‘It’s the lowest round on the PGA Tour for me, and there are so many positives to take away.’ And this is the part most people miss: despite the pressure of the final three holes, Brown admitted feeling the heat but still walked away thrilled with his achievement. ‘I’m so stoked to have shot 60,’ he said, showcasing the resilience of a seasoned pro in a teenager’s body.
Currently tied atop the leaderboard with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler at 17-under through two rounds, Brown’s breakout week is nothing short of extraordinary. Just a day earlier, he finished 5-under at La Quinta Country Club, but that was only the beginning. His journey started at the Bahamas Great Abaco Classic on the Korn Ferry Tour, where he posted a 68 on Sunday and made the cut with a 74 on Monday. By Wednesday, he was tied for 17th, using a private jet coupon from a Myrtle Beach win two years ago to ensure he made his Thursday tee time at La Quinta. Talk about hustle!
Here’s where it gets controversial: If Brown makes the cut on Saturday, he’s poised to become the first player in modern history to play eight competitive rounds across the PGA and Korn Ferry Tours in as many days. While initially thought to be unprecedented, some golf historians are now debating whether a similar feat was achieved decades ago. What do you think—is this a record-breaker or just a remarkable run? Let us know in the comments!
For context, Brown, a Tennessee native who joined the PGA Tour straight out of high school, is no stranger to breaking records. At 16, he shattered Bobby Jones’ 103-year-old mark as the youngest medalist at stroke play in U.S. Amateur history. Now, with seven rounds in seven days at The American Express (which has no cut until after Round 3), he’s on the brink of making history again. If he plays Sunday, it’ll be his eighth straight tournament round—a testament to his endurance and talent.
Compare this to TJ Vogel, who made a similar Korn Ferry to American Express trek in 2022 but was cut after Round 3. Vogel’s journey? A commercial flight. Brown’s? A private jet and a relentless drive to compete. But here’s the question: Is Brown’s achievement a product of sheer talent, strategic planning, or a bit of both? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear your take on this rising golf phenom!
