Golf may have another Tiger Woods on the way in 16-year-old phenomenon Tiger Woods

Golf may soon have another Tiger Woods in the form of 16-year-old American sensation Blades Brown. This young talent has joined the ranks of Woods and Bobby Clampett as the only players to secure medal honors in both the US Junior Amateur and US Amateur tournaments.

Brown showcased his skills by finishing first in the stroke play portion of the US Junior Amateur at Oakland Hills Country Club in Detroit, with impressive rounds of 66 and 68. Last year, he co-medaled at the US Amateur at Cherry Hills Country Club in Denver, tying the course record with an eight-under 64.

Tiger Woods, who revolutionized golf in the late 1990s and 2000s, winning his first major at the 1997 Masters and going on to secure 15 major championships, was in Detroit to witness Brown’s achievement. Woods was there to support his 15-year-old son Charlie, who missed the cut. Woods and Brown even posed for a celebratory photograph together.

Brown, a high school junior ranked No. 2 in the class of 2026, has quickly become accustomed to the spotlight. He won three consecutive state golf championships from 2021 to 2023 and is currently ranked No. 9 in the junior American rankings. After his strong performance at last year’s US Amateur, he secured a sponsorship deal with Callaway and made his PGA Tour debut at the Myrtle Beach Classic in May, tying for 26th place with a 10 under-par finish.

Based in Tennessee, Brown credits his parents for their influence and support. In an interview with the PGA Tour website, he shared, “My mum gives me hugs and encouragement. My dad’s advice is straightforward: ‘Hit it at the pin.’” Brown also expressed his passion for the sport, saying, “I love golf. Playing golf brings me so much joy in life, visualizing shots, making calculations – then executing is awesome.”