Blades Brown to Turn Pro at 17, Set for PGA Tour Debut in January
17-year-old golf sensation Blades Brown has officially announced he will forgo college golf and turn professional in January 2025. Brown’s first event as a professional will be The American Express in Palm Springs, California, marking the third tournament of the PGA Tour season.
This won’t be Brown’s first appearance on the PGA Tour. Earlier this year, he impressed with a T-26 finish at the Myrtle Beach Classic, shooting 10-under par over the final 54 holes with rounds of 67-66-69.
“This decision wasn’t made lightly,” Brown shared on Instagram. “I’ve spent months considering my options, and I know this is the best step forward for me. While I’m proud of what I’ve achieved as an amateur, I’m ready to focus on my future as a professional.”
The Nashville native’s amateur achievements are nothing short of historic. In 2023, he became the youngest co-medalist in the history of the prestigious U.S. Amateur, breaking a record held by the legendary Bobby Jones. He followed that up in 2024 by earning medalist honors at the U.S. Junior Amateur at Oakland Hills, becoming one of only three players—alongside Tiger Woods and Bobby Clampett—to medal at both events.
Brown’s decision to turn pro gained traction after he reached the second stage of the PGA Tour Q-School and declined a U.S. Walker Cup practice invitation, signaling his intention to shift to professional golf.
With Brown’s debut set for The American Express—the same event where Nick Dunlap made headlines by winning as an amateur in 2024—the young star has a chance to create his own history as a teenage professional.
Brown is represented by Tommy Riehle of Sportfive, who also manages rising PGA Tour winner Akshay Bhatia, another top-ranked junior who skipped college to turn pro in 2019. Brown will look to follow in Bhatia’s footsteps as he embarks on this next chapter of his career.