In a thrilling display of talent and poise, 18-year-old Blades Brown from Nashville has captured significant attention in the world of golf as he approaches the final round of The American Express tournament. After finishing Saturday's round with three consecutive birdies, he finds himself in an exciting tie with world number one Scottie Scheffler, both just one stroke behind the leading Si Woo Kim.
Kim showcased remarkable skill with a 6-under 66 at La Quinta Country Club, benefiting from favorable winds that finally arrived in the Coachella Valley. Meanwhile, both Scheffler and Brown faced the more challenging conditions of the Stadium Course at PGA West, where they each posted a score of 68 through very different experiences.
This marks Brown’s seventh consecutive round of competitive golf, following his participation in a Korn Ferry Tour event in the Bahamas. Despite his fatigue, he displayed a lighthearted spirit by engaging in a game of "rock, paper, scissors" with a young fan before making an impressive 25-foot birdie putt at the par-3 17th hole, followed by an astonishing 45-foot birdie on the 18th.
Scheffler, conversely, encountered the toughest of the day's winds, especially when it picked up during his second hole. He struggled with two bogeys—an unusual occurrence for him—but managed to salvage his round with a critical 25-foot par putt that curiously rolled in at the end.
As they head into the final day, Kim leads with a total score of 22-under 194, while Scheffler and Brown trail closely behind. All three players will feature prominently in Sunday’s last group on the Stadium Course.
Among the trio, Brown is undoubtedly the most intriguing story. In a sport steeped in tradition and history, where championship records have existed for over 165 years, he stands on the cusp of potentially becoming the youngest winner in nearly a century, if not longer. The record for the youngest winner was set by Charles Kocsis, who claimed the Michigan Open title in 1931 at the age of 18 years and six months. However, that tournament was categorized as regional. Young Tom Morris made history even earlier by winning his first British Open in 1868 at just 17 years old.
Regardless of the historical context, Brown’s potential victory would be nothing short of remarkable, especially considering the journey he undertook to get here. Just days ago, he tied for 17th place in the Bahamas before catching a private flight to California, arriving at his hotel only about 14 hours prior to his tee time. Yet, despite this whirlwind schedule, he radiates enthusiasm and optimism.
"I feel great," expressed Brown. "I have another chance to see what I can accomplish tomorrow. With another 18 holes ahead, it should be enjoyable."
The competition will certainly be lively. Scheffler and Kim share a friendly relationship, often playing together at Royal Oaks in Dallas, and they have regularly faced off in the lead-up to The American Express. In a playful admission, Scheffler noted that Kim had recently bested him in their previous match, adding humorously, "Yes, I gave him back a little of his money."
Interestingly, it was at PGA West 13 years ago that a young Kim, then just 17, passed through the last stage of the old Q-school, having to wait until he turned 18 to officially join the PGA Tour. By the age of 21, he had already secured four tour victories, including the prestigious Players Championship, earning him the admiration of many fellow players.
"Have you ever spent time with him? He’s absolutely hilarious," remarked Scheffler, highlighting Kim’s likable personality.
As the final round approaches, all competitors know the stakes are high, yet they remain grounded, well aware of the tournament's unpredictable nature, even amidst challenging wind conditions. Notably, former U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark and Eric Cole each shot impressive rounds of 66 at La Quinta, placing them just two shots behind the leaders. Tom Hoge also impressed with a 65, showcasing the depth of talent competing, with nine players within a mere four shots of each other.
Of particular interest is Brown, who made the leap to professional golf last year while still balancing his high school education. He has been granted a sponsor exemption to participate in The American Express for the second consecutive year, a testament to his rising star status within the golfing community.
"I’m just 18 years old, competing on the PGA Tour. How incredible is that?" Brown exclaimed. "I finished high school only about two weeks ago, so it feels great to have that responsibility behind me. I’m really looking forward to what tomorrow holds."
With such an electrifying lineup and the potential for history-making moments, the final round promises not only to be a competition but a spectacle that fans won't want to miss.
