Rico Hoey Rises in Round Two, Blades Brown Impresses at American Express

Round Two of the American Express tournament brought excitement and standout performances, especially from two players with distinct stories. 17-year-old Blades Brown, who is already making a name for himself in the PGA Tour, delivered an impressive performance with 10 birdies, moving to 8-under for the tournament.
Despite a rocky start with a bogey on his second hole, Brown settled into his rhythm, racking up six consecutive birdies. His confidence and composure were evident, especially considering the pressure of playing in front of a growing crowd. Brown, who is the youngest U.S. Amateur Medalist since Bobby Jones, showed his maturity on the course, even as he admitted to needing a moment to settle in during his first round.

Meanwhile, Rico Hoey, in his second year on the PGA Tour, proved his familiarity with the Coachella Valley courses. Having played in junior tournaments here, Hoey had a solid round, which was aided by his local knowledge. Hoey, a former SCGA Amateur Champion and USC standout, had a loud and enthusiastic gallery following him throughout the round, cheering him on as he made impressive shots, including a clutch par save on the par 4 9. Hoey's strong performance continued to highlight his connection to the area and his ability to perform on familiar turf.

With both players in strong positions, the weekend promises even more action as the American Express tournament heads toward its final rounds. Expect to hear more about Blades Brown's breakout performance and Rico Hoey’s pursuit of a strong finish as the competition continues.