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.

Follow live updates as Brentwood Academy golf star Blades Brown, 17, makes his pro golf debut at the PGA Tour American Express Tournament.

While younger players and amateurs have been playing strong golf on the PGA Tour in recent years – Dunlap was 20 and a sophomore at the University of Alabama when he won last year – Brown is the youngest golfer to ever play in The American Express. But his swing coach believes Brown has a game that can hold up to the PGA Tour.