GOLF.AI • Jan 24, 2026

A Desert Scoring Explosion: The Day of 60s

The golf world witnessed a rare and wild scoring explosion in the California desert as two separate players carded remarkable 12-under 60s on the same day at The American Express. This wasn't just one player's hot round; it was a perfect storm of ideal conditions and aggressive play that saw both 18-year-old phenom Blades Brown and tour veteran Andrew Putnam flirt with golf's magic number.

Adding to the drama, both players faced putts on their final holes for a historic 59, creating a unique parallel of agonizing near-misses. Playing the Nicklaus Tournament Course, Brown saw his eight-foot birdie attempt slide by the hole. Just miles away at La Quinta Country Club, Putnam's lengthy putt for 59 missed by about a foot. The shared heartbreak connected the two incredible performances.

The day offered a perfect contrast in storylines. For the teenage newcomer Brown, the record-setting 60 was an emphatic announcement of his arrival on the big stage, vaulting him into a tie for the lead. For Putnam, the round was a dramatic turnaround. After an opening 72, his flawless 60 rocketed him 114 spots up the leaderboard, showcasing the volatile and exciting nature of the modern game.

Ultimately, the 'Day of the 60s' became more than just individual achievements. It was a compelling, statistically rare moment that captured the low-scoring potential in professional golf and highlighted how two different players, at two different stages of their careers, can simultaneously chase history on the very same afternoon.