In a thrilling turn of events, 18-year-old Blades Brown from Nashville is just one shot away from leading the prestigious American Express golf tournament! But here's the catch: he's up against some of the biggest names in the sport.
On Saturday, Brown showcased his talent and composure, finishing with three consecutive birdies. This remarkable performance tied him with the world's top-ranked golfer, Scottie Scheffler, both trailing Si Woo Kim by a single stroke before the final round. The young prodigy's journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
As the wind picked up in the Coachella Valley, Kim took advantage at La Quinta Country Club, shooting a 6-under 66. Meanwhile, Scheffler and Brown tackled the challenging Stadium Course at PGA West, each carding a 68 in their own unique style. Brown's energy remained high despite playing his seventh straight round after traveling from a Korn Ferry Tour event in the Bahamas. He even took time to playfully interact with a young fan before sinking impressive birdies on the 17th and 18th holes.
Scheffler faced tougher conditions, encountering the wind on the second hole, resulting in two bogeys. He narrowly avoided another bogey with a clutch 25-foot par putt on the final turn. Kim's lead is slender, with Scheffler and Brown hot on his heels.
The final round on Sunday promises to be captivating. Brown's potential victory would be a historic achievement. While records from golf's 165-year championship history are somewhat muddled, Brown could become the youngest winner in almost a century, or perhaps even longer. Charles Kocsis won the Michigan Open in 1931 at 18 years and six months, slightly younger than Brown, but that tournament was considered regional. Young Tom Morris claimed his first British Open title in 1868 at just 17 years old.
Brown's recent success includes tying for 17th in the Bahamas Korn Ferry Tour event, followed by a private jet ride to California, arriving just 14 hours before his tee time. His energy and enthusiasm are undeniable.
"I feel great," Brown exclaimed. "I have another chance to see what we can achieve tomorrow. I can't wait for the final 18 holes."
Scheffler and Kim, the other two contenders in the final group, share a unique bond. Scheffler helped Kim secure a membership at Royal Oaks in Dallas, and they frequently play together on weekends. Their friendly rivalry adds an intriguing dynamic to the competition.
PGA West holds a special place in Kim's heart, as it was here that he qualified for the PGA Tour at 17 years old, though he had to wait until he turned 18 to officially join. He went on to win The Players Championship at 21, one of his four tour victories, and has become a favorite among his peers.
"Spend some time with him, he's hilarious," Scheffler remarked about Kim.
With low scores despite the challenging wind, the tournament is set for an exciting conclusion. Former U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark and Eric Cole are just two shots behind, while Tom Hoge is one shot further back. But all eyes are on Brown, who turned pro last year while still in high school and received a sponsor exemption for The American Express for the second year in a row.
"I'm 18 and playing on the PGA Tour. It's incredible!" Brown said, reflecting on his recent high school graduation. "I'm excited for what tomorrow brings."
