The Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA West witnessed an 18-year-old take a dominant stance at the 2026 American Express.

Blades Brown climbed 50 spots to tie with Scottie Scheffler for the first position after round two. And in due process, he set a new tournament record and missed another one. 

Brown posted a bogey-free 12-under-par 60. It set a new tournament record on the Nicklaus layout, marking the youngest player to shoot 60 or lower in a PGA Tour round. Even the famed golf journalist, Justin Ray, highlighted one of Brown’s achievements. 

Taking to X, he wrote, “There has never been a round of -14 or lower in PGA Tour history.”

Prior to the AmEx round two, Nick Dunlop held the record for the youngest to shoot 60 or better at the age of 20. Meanwhile, Justin Thomas was the youngest to shoot 59 at 21. And with the performance he showcased on Friday, Blades Brown eclipsed Dunlap’s record. 

The number one golfer, Scottie Scheffler, addressed Brown’s game following the round and said, “These kids know what they’re getting into. They understand the game requires low scores, especially when you’re trying to make your mark on tour.”

Brown needed just one birdie over the last three holes to set himself up for a round of 59. However, he posted three pars and missed out on posting the 16th sub-60 round. But the teenager isn’t really worried about the miss. 

Blades Brown Gets Honest About His Last Birdie

Brown wasn’t disappointed with the missed putt on the 18th hole. 

He said, “By the time we made the turn, I said, ‘OK, you know, couple birdies here on the front nine and let’s see how low we can go.’ When I stepped onto 18 tee box, I knew what was at stake. I knew I needed a birdie to shoot 59, and I was just close this time.”

"I was actually pretty calm," he continued. "Unfortunately, it didn't go in, but I was happy with the outcome I had today."

Nevertheless, Brown announced himself as a legitimate PGA Tour contender with a fearless, record-setting performance. At just 18, he proved he belongs at the top alongside the world’s best.

Written by

Krushna Pattnaik

Edited by

Joyita Das