NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Blades Brown is taking a significant step toward his ambition of becoming a professional golfer, announcing his decision to turn pro even before completing his high school education. The 17-year-old junior from Nashville took to social media on Tuesday to share the news and revealed that he has secured a spot to compete in a PGA Tour event at The American Express this coming January.

In May, Brown made a name for himself by successfully making the cut at the Myrtle Beach Classic, a tournament held during the same week as one of the PGA Tour’s major events, and he finished in a respectable tie for 26th place.

“This is not a decision that I take lightly, and I have spent the past months weighing all possible options before deciding on what I know is best for me,” Brown expressed, emphasizing the thoughtfulness behind his choice.

His impressive talent was highlighted when he became the youngest player to lead the 36-hole qualifying for the U.S. Amateur in 2023. Despite losing in the second round of match play, his achievements did not go unnoticed. He even received an invitation to participate in a Walker Cup practice session, but chose to withdraw to focus on his professional aspirations.

Brown’s decision follows a notable trend in the golfing world. For instance, Akshay Bhatia turned pro at the age of 17 back in 2019 and eventually made it to the PGA Tour four years later, winning a lesser-known event. Furthermore, Ty Tryon acquired his PGA Tour card through Q-school in 2001, but he had to wait until he turned 18 to become an official member, managing to make only six cuts in a total of 30 tournament appearances.