Blades Brown made PGA Tour history during the second round of the American Express.
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The return of Blades Brown during the second round of American Express it was not only impressive, but it was also historic. On Friday, Brown shot an eight-under 64, which stats guru Justin Ray reported was the lowest score in a PGA Tour round by a player under the age of 18 in 40 years.
17-year-old Blades Brown shot 64 today at The American Express.
It is the lowest score on a PGA Tour by a player under the age of 18 in the last 40 years.
— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) January 18, 2025
With his 10-birdie effort, Brown surpassed the three teenagers who have carded 65s in the past quarter century. there are Justin Thomaswho shot a 65 in 2009 when he was just 16; Tony’s controversy shot a 65 in 2007 at age 17; and Ty Tryon, who shot a 65 in 2001 at age 17.
Brown is wise beyond his years. When asked what he thought was the difference-maker during his second round, he said that keeping to his process helped, but it really all came down to perspective.
“I play golf now for a living and I promise you there are a lot more challenging things than playing golf for a living,” Brown said. “Whether it’s a child lying in a bed (with) cancer…there’s a lot to be thankful for here.
“I guess keeping it in perspective you can play golf for free in one incredible golf course and with wonderful people. I think just keeping it in perspective definitely helped me today.”
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Brown’s lights out also played an important role in his record breaking round. In a post-round interview, Brown credited his run of six consecutive birdies on holes 12-17 (he birdied the first nine) to his ability on the greens.
“When I got to three in a row, I was like, OK, we’ve got to take the barrel,” he said.
Brown wasn’t being stubborn. He just looks at the pitch differently than many players.
Pitching is neither a skill nor a chore for Brown. Instead, he sees it as an art form, and it’s this creativity and passion that makes him so good at green.
“I just think there’s an art to it,” Brown said, “I’m not an artist, but I’m an artist in green.
“I like being able to hit some putts because, I mean, that’s the most accurate you’ve got to play golf, and I just, I like to hit putts.”
As of this writing, Brown is 11-under through five holes in the third round, four back of co-leaders Justin Lower and Mark Hubbard.
