Introduction

In a groundbreaking announcement that has sent shockwaves through the golf world, 17-year-old Blades Brown, the top-ranked golfer in the high school class of 2026, has decided to forgo college golf and turn professional. The Nashville native revealed his decision on Instagram, stating his intentions to make his highly anticipated PGA Tour debut at The American Express tournament in La Quinta, California, this January.

Blades Brown’s Statement

“I am ready to begin the next chapter of my golf career and will be competing as a professional in 2025,” Brown declared in a heartfelt message. “This is not a decision that I take lightly; I have spent months contemplating all options before determining what's best for my future. While I cherish my amateur accomplishments, my focus now is on establishing a strong foothold in my professional career.”

Rise in the Golf Community

Blades Brown’s rise in the golf community has been nothing short of spectacular. Last summer, he joined the ranks of legends like Tiger Woods and Bobby Clampett as one of only three players to earn medals in both the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Junior championships. In 2023, he made history by becoming the youngest golfer to medal in a U.S. Amateur event—an impressive feat that hasn't been accomplished since Bobby Jones did it at age 18 in 1920.

PGA Tour Qualifying School Experience

Despite a challenging experience at PGA Tour qualifying school this fall, where he fell short of advancing, Brown displayed remarkable skill earlier this year at the Myrtle Beach Classic. Competing under a sponsor exemption, he finished strong with a score of 10 under par, ultimately tying for 26th place.

Looking Towards the Future

As he embarks on this thrilling new chapter, Brown has already secured several sponsor exemptions for the 2025 season, indicating confidence from the golf community in his ability to compete at the highest level. In a strategic move to accommodate his burgeoning professional career, he also made headlines in July when it was reported that he would no longer attend Brentwood Academy, opting instead for online courses that would allow him to balance academics with an intense training and competition schedule.

Conclusion

Many are eager to see how far Blades Brown can go as a professional—will he become the next great golfer to dominate the PGA Tour? One thing is for sure: the golf landscape is watching closely, and the future is bright for this young talent.