Brown, Scheffler Chase Kim at The American Express | Golf News 2026

LA QUINTA, Calif. – A thrilling finish is brewing at The American Express as 18-year-old Blades Brown surged into contention Saturday, finishing tied with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, just one stroke behind leader Si Woo Kim. The final round promises a captivating showdown on the challenging Stadium Course at PGA West.

A Teenager’s Charge

Brown, hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, demonstrated remarkable composure despite the mounting attention. He closed his round with three consecutive birdies – a 25-foot putt on the 17th and a 45-foot putt on the 18th – to put himself in position for a potential historic victory. This performance comes after playing seven consecutive rounds, transitioning directly from a Korn Ferry Tour event in the Bahamas.

Navigating the Course

While Brown and Scheffler battled on the notoriously difficult Stadium Course, Kim benefitted from playing La Quinta Country Club, where he carded a 6-under 66. Scheffler faced a challenging day with the wind, recording two bogeys, but salvaged his round with a clutch 25-foot par putt on the final hole. Kim currently leads at 22-under 194.

Did You Know? Si Woo Kim previously qualified for the PGA Tour through the former Q-school at PGA West thirteen years ago, though he had to wait until he turned 18 to join the tour.

Familiar Faces in the Hunt

The final group features a unique dynamic, as Scheffler and Kim share a close relationship. Scheffler assisted Kim in gaining membership at Royal Oaks in Dallas, and they frequently compete against each other on weekends. Scheffler acknowledged Kim’s recent victory, stating, “Yes, I gave him back a little of his money.”

Other players remain within striking distance. Former U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark and Eric Cole both shot 66 at La Quinta, trailing by two shots, while Tom Hoge is another shot back after a 65. Nine players are separated by just four strokes, setting the stage for a dramatic final round.

Expert Insight: The close leaderboard suggests that Sunday’s round will be a test of not only skill, but also mental fortitude. The low scoring despite difficult wind conditions indicates that players are capable of making birdies, but minimizing mistakes will be crucial.

What’s at Stake?

Brown’s performance is particularly noteworthy, as a victory would make him one of the youngest winners in professional golf history. While Charles Kocsis won the Michigan Open in 1931 at a slightly younger age, that tournament was considered a regional event. Young Tom Morris holds the record for the youngest British Open winner, achieving victory at age 17 in 1868. Brown, having recently finished high school, expressed his excitement, stating, “I’m 18 years old playing on the PGA Tour. How awesome is that?”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Blades Brown’s current position in the tournament?

Blades Brown is tied with Scottie Scheffler, one shot behind the leader, Si Woo Kim.

Which course will the final round be played on?

The final round will be played on the Stadium Course at PGA West.

What is the relationship between Scottie Scheffler and Si Woo Kim?

Scottie Scheffler helped Si Woo Kim gain membership at Royal Oaks in Dallas, and they are regular playing partners.

Will Brown’s recent travel and quick turnaround affect his performance in the final round, or will his youthful energy propel him to a historic win?