Blades Brown’s Historic Golf Feat at The American Express 2026

Blades Brown’s Historic Golf Feat at The American Express 2026

January 24, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Health

As winter weather grips much of the country, all eyes are turning to Palm Springs, California, where 18-year-old Blades Brown is attempting a feat never before seen in professional golf. Brown is currently competing in back-to-back tournaments – the Korn Ferry Tour’s Bahamas Great Abaco Classic and the PGA Tour’s American Express – potentially playing eight consecutive days of tour-level golf.

A Historic Run

Brown’s ambitious schedule began on Sunday with the start of the Bahamas Great Abaco Classic. He then transitioned directly to the American Express, which began on Thursday and runs through Sunday. This unprecedented run is possible due to Brown’s full-time status on the Korn Ferry Tour, earned by finishing in the top 75 on the tour’s season-long points standings, and a sponsor exemption into the American Express.

Early Success at the American Express

Brown’s performance at the American Express has been nothing short of remarkable. After opening with a 72 and then a stunning 64 – the lowest score in a PGA Tour round by a player under the age of 18 in the last 40 years, according to GOLF.com contributor Justin Ray – he followed up with a first-round 60 on Friday. This performance has him tied for the lead with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.

Did You Know? Blades Brown’s mother, Rhonda Blades, played in the WNBA and hit the league’s first 3-pointer.

A Unique Travel Itinerary

The logistics of playing two tournaments in consecutive weeks, separated by a significant distance, have been demanding. Brown’s journey from the Bahamas to Palm Springs involved finishing his final round on Wednesday, a private jet flight courtesy of a previous tournament sponsor, a quick dinner of Panda Express, grocery shopping, and a 5:00 AM wake-up call on Thursday to prepare for his first round at the American Express.

Looking Ahead

Should Brown continue his strong play and win the American Express, he would become the second-youngest winner in PGA Tour history. The youngest was Charles Kocsis, who won the 1931 Michigan Open at 18 years, 6 months, and 9 days old. Brown will turn 19 in May.

Expert Insight: Brown’s willingness to immediately transition between tours, and his success in doing so, highlights a new generation of golfers who are comfortable with a demanding, fast-paced schedule and are willing to pursue opportunities across different levels of competition.

Beyond the Leaderboard

Brown’s story extends beyond his performance on the course. He has been praised for his personable demeanor and willingness to engage with the media. He openly discussed his family, including his mother’s WNBA career, and his personal aspirations, such as dunking a basketball.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is unique about Blades Brown’s current schedule?

Blades Brown is attempting to play eight consecutive days of PGA Tour-level golf, competing in both a Korn Ferry Tour event and a PGA Tour event back-to-back. As far as anyone can tell, he’d be the first to do so.

What was Blades Brown’s score in the first round of the American Express?

Blades Brown shot a 60 in the first round of the American Express, tying for the day’s best score.

How did Blades Brown travel from the Bahamas to California?

Blades Brown traveled from the Bahamas to California via a private jet, a perk earned from a previous tournament sponsor.

What does it mean for the future of professional golf to see a player like Blades Brown successfully navigate such a demanding schedule?