Sepp Straka shot an 8-under 64 on while his top competitors failed to match his sizzling pace at The American Express.

Rico Hoey has played in The American Express golf event in La Quinta just once, missing the cut last year. But his history of golf in the desert goes back much deeper than that.

Brown made six birdies in a row on his front nine and had eight birdies in nine holes at one point. Brown shot an 8-under 64, rising to a tie for 41st. He began the day in 117th place after shooting an even-par 72 in his first round as a pro.

Blades Brown, 17, is making his pro debut at this week's 2025 American Express. On Friday, he's showing why he belongs on the game's biggest stage.