A final round with the world's best golfer can be intimidating. For 18-year-old Blades Brown, it was an inspiration. 

Brown joined Scheffler in the final group at the 2026 American Express. The 18-year-old amateur finished tied for 18th, while Scheffler secured his 20th PGA Tour title.

After the round, Underdog Golf on Jan 26 posted, Brown had nothing but praise for Scheffler, saying the way he carried himself inspired him.

After his career-best T18 at The AmEx, Blades Brown said he learned enough over the past few days to “write a book,” adding that the biggest takeaway was proving to himself he can compete at this level.

“It was so cool watching Scottie win in person and getting to play with him. He’s such an unbelievable guy. He talked to me numerous times throughout the round and was giving me a lot of encouragement, so it was awesome.” 

Afterward, Brown called the final-round pairing with the World No. 1 a “pinch-me” moment, while also pointing out that Scheffler’s short game doesn’t get enough credit. 

Earlier in the week, the 18-year-old made PGA Tour history by becoming the youngest player to shoot 60 or better, a second-round number that left him tied with Scheffler at the top after 36 holes. 

Scheffler also had praise for Brown, who had finished high school only weeks before the start.

Still, their Sundays went in different directions. Brown slid down the board with a 74, while Scheffler closed with a 66 to seal the win.

Blades Brown's PGA Tour résumé

Blades Brown turned pro in late 2024 and has started building momentum early, highlighted by a T18 finish at the 2026 American Express. He now holds full Korn Ferry Tour status for the 2026 season.

On the PGA Tour, Brown has made the cut in multiple starts, with his best result coming at The AmEx. 

Before the pro switch, Brown put together a strong amateur resume, starting with the 2023 U.S. Amateur, where, at 16, he became the youngest stroke-play medalist in championship history, breaking a 103-year-old mark set by Bobby Jones.

Then in 2024, Brown joined a short list alongside Tiger Woods and Bobby Clampett by earning medalist honors at both the U.S. Junior and U.S. Amateur, and later picked up the AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year.

He also won three straight individual high school state titles in Tennessee. 

After that, Brown spent most of 2025 on the Korn Ferry Tour with temporary status, posting two top-10 finishes, including a runner-up at the Veritex Bank Championship.

That run helped him lock up full status for 2026, with Korn Ferry earnings now above $150,000.

What do you think, can this Blades Brown turn his AmEx breakout into a win on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2026?

Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu