Blades Brown wins World Wide Technology Championship

Blades Brown won the World Wide Technology Championship in a playoff, becoming the youngest PGA Tour winner in 95 years after recovering from a seven-shot deficit in the final round. The 19-year-old American shot a 9-under 63 and beat Ben James with a birdie on the second playoff hole at El Cardonal at Diamante in Los Cabos, Mexico.

Brown finished regulation at 23-under 265, one shot ahead of Michael Kim, who had posted a 64. Brown made three consecutive birdies on the back nine to move into contention, then birdied the 18th to set the clubhouse mark. James, who began the round with a four-shot lead, made an eagle on the 18th to shoot 70 and join Brown in the playoff.

The players narrowly missed eagle chances on the first extra hole and returned to the 18th. After both came up short of the green, James nearly holed his pitch, leaving an eight-foot birdie putt. Brown’s pitch stopped about three feet away. James’s putt missed, and Brown converted his to secure the title.

Brown’s victory follows a rapid rise in professional golf. He turned professional two years ago while still in high school and had earned a PGA Tour card for 2027 by finishing among the top 20 on the Korn Ferry...