18-Year-Old Amateur Shoots Course Record in Second Round
Eighteen-year-old Blades Brown etched his name into golf history Friday, firing a course-record 60 in the second round of the American Express golf tournament at PGA West’s La Quinta Country Club course. The remarkable performance tied the amateur with four-time PGA Tour Player of the Year Scottie Scheffler for the lead heading into the weekend.
Brown’s magical round—just one stroke shy of a perfect 59—showcased exceptional skill and composure rarely seen at such a young age. The California native capitalized on ideal desert conditions to join an elite group of golfers crafting historic scores at this week’s event in La Quinta.
Record-Breaking Performance in Competitive Field
The American Express golf tournament has produced widespread low scoring throughout its opening rounds, with multiple players breaking 63. Scheffler, making his first appearance of 2026, opened with a 9-under 63 at La Quinta Country Club, demonstrating why he enters the year as one of golf’s most dominant forces.
Min Woo Lee and Pierceson Coody share second place at 10-under 62 after their first rounds, while Jason Day posted an impressive 63 on the more challenging Stadium Course. But Brown’s second-round 60 stands alone as the most spectacular single performance.
Momentum Builds Into Final Rounds
The 156-player field—the largest domestic draw of the year among regular PGA Tour events—benefited from nearly windless conditions and perfect weather that transformed all three courses into scoring opportunities. The tournament concludes Sunday on the Stadium Course, where players will face firmer greens and more demanding setup.
Brown’s emergence as a legitimate contender signals a generational shift in professional golf, proving that age is no barrier when talent meets preparation.
