LA QUINTA, Calif. — Blades Brown, showing maturity beyond his 18 years, drew increasing attention on Saturday. He finished with three consecutive birdies, placing him in a tie with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, both just one stroke behind Si Woo Kim as they head into the final round of The American Express.
Kim posted a 6-under 66 and had the advantage of playing La Quinta Country Club as winds finally picked up in the Coachella Valley. Scheffler and Brown faced the more challenging Stadium Course at PGA West, which is difficult even under calm conditions. Both finished with a score of 68.
Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Brown was competing in his seventh consecutive round after arriving from a Korn Ferry Tour event in the Bahamas. This didn’t hinder him from engaging in “rock, paper, scissors” with a young fan and sinking a 25-foot birdie putt on the par-3 17th hole, followed by a 45-foot birdie on the 18th.
Scheffler faced the brunt of the wind, making two bogeys during his round. He was close to finishing with another bogey but saved par by sinking a 25-foot putt that swirled in at the last moment.
Kim leads at 22-under 194, with Scheffler and Brown just behind him. They will make up the final group on Sunday at the Stadium Course.
The young golfer is the most intriguing story. Brown could make history as the youngest winner in nearly a century, possibly longer.
Charles Kocsis won the Michigan Open in 1931 at 18 years and 6 months, slightly younger than Brown, but that event was considered regional. Young Tom Morris clinched his first British Open title in 1868 at the age of 17.
Brown secured a tie for 17th in the Korn Ferry Tour event in the Bahamas that concluded Wednesday, then took a private jet to reach California, arriving at his hotel about 14 hours before his tee time.
Tired? Not at his age, especially with this opportunity on the horizon.
“I feel great,” Brown stated. “I have another opportunity to see what we can accomplish tomorrow. Another 18 holes, and it should be fun.”
The other two players in the final group can expect plenty of excitement, too. Scheffler, who assisted Kim in getting a membership at Royal Oaks in Dallas, often competes with him during weekend games. They’ve faced off numerous times in the run-up to The American Express.
Scheffler confirmed that Kim came out on top in their last match, adding, “Yes, I returned a bit of his money.”
Thirteen years ago at PGA West, a 17-year-old Kim made it through the final edition of the former Q-school, having to wait until he turned 18 to join the PGA Tour. By age 21, he had already won The Players Championship, one of his four tour victories.
Kim has become a favorite among fellow players.
“Have you ever spent time with him? He’s hilarious,” Scheffler commented about Kim.
Sunday may be serious business, but they’re all aware of the tournament’s nature, remaining focused despite being in the final group. Scores have been low, even with challenging wind conditions.
Former U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark and Eric Cole each shot 66 at La Quinta, trailing by two shots. Tom Hoge, with a score of 65 at La Quinta, is another shot back. Nine players are separated by just four shots.
Brown’s story is particularly intriguing; he turned pro last year while still in high school. This marks his second consecutive year receiving a sponsor exemption to participate in The American Express.
“I’m 18 years old playing on the PGA Tour. How incredible is that?” Brown exclaimed. “I just finished high school about two weeks ago, so it’s nice to have that weight lifted off my shoulders. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.”
