Blades Brown (USGA Photo)

I remember first hearing the name Blades Brown two summers ago while attending a golf tournament that featured many of the rising stars across the state of Tennessee. He would have just turned 15 years old at the time, and his name came up in several conversations.

First, I thought, what a cool name - Blades. It was certainly apropos for someone seeking to make a name for himself in golf. It kind of reminded me of another golf phenom from a couple of decades ago that became known only by his first name.

Anyhow, I spoke to some college coaches who were in attendance to see what all the fuss was about with this kid named Blades who was from the Nashville area. They were all in agreement that he was a different breed and represented something special even at his age.

“This young man is a generational talent,” I recall one coach saying.

“How good?” I asked. “Like Jordan Spieth level?”

“Way better,” the coach responded. “Think in terms of Tiger good.”

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Top junior Blades Brown announces he is turning pro

It was quite the yoke of expectation to place on a kid not yet old enough to drive. Time and truth walk hand-in-hand to determine if this lofty evaluation would prove to be correct.

But the more I learned about Brown and his family, and the more he continued rewriting records that have stood the test of time in golf for years, I became more convinced that quite possibly all the hoopla surrounding his future was warranted.

Many asked, “What’s the rush?” Let him finish high school first, although he is now doing his education online after withdrawing from Brentwood Academy prior to this school year, to allow him the freedom to chase his dizzying golf schedule. Then Brown picked the right college program where he could further his development, and by then, he would be poised to test his abilities against the best in the game at the professional level.

But Brown has come to the conclusion that “why postpone the inevitable?” The future is now, which is. why he announced on Tuesday that college altogether and embarking upon his professional journey at the age of 17.

“I am excited to announce that after much prayer and seeking advice from those I trust, I am ready to begin the next chapter of my golf career and will be competing as a professional in 2025. I will be making my professional debut at The American Express in LaQuinta January 16-19,” Brown said in a post on the X social media site.

And just like that, all eyes in the golfing world will become focused on Brown, some sure to second-guess his decision. Heck, Woods seemed ancient when he turned professional at the age of 20 in comparison to Brown. But the résumé put together by the talented teen supports his decision.

Brown was named the top male junior golfer in the world with the American Junior Golf Association’s 2024 Rolex Junior Player of the Year award, joining the ranks of former winners Woods, Spieth and Scottie Scheffler. He solidified his status as one of golf’s brightest stars after placing inside the top five at four out of five national junior golf events.

Brown also made his PGA Tour debut at the Myrtle Beach Classic in May, finishing in a tie for 26th at 10-under par. His standout year continued as he captured medalist honors at the 77th U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, becoming only the third player to earn medalist honors at both the U.S. Junior and U.S. Amateur, joining Woods again in that elite company. Brown also capped his season by placing second at The Junior Players Championship.

In recognition of his stellar year, Brown was selected to represent the U.S. Team at the Junior Presidents Cup in Quebec, helping the team reclaim the cup. He was chosen as the lone junior to participate in the U.S. Walker Cup practice sessions, an honor he will now forfeit with his decision to turn professional. For good measure, he and Tennessee freshman golfer Jackson Herrington teamed for a runner-up finish at the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball back in June.

Given his accomplishments this year alone, it’s becoming clearer why Brown made his choice. But there’s more.

In 2023 Brown became the youngest medalist in a U.S. Amateur, eclipsing a standard held since 1920 that was set by 18-year-old Bobby Jones. He also won three AJGA titles last year, the Elite Invitational and the Tennessee State Junior by a gaudy 12 shots. And by the way, he was a three-time TSSAA state champion during his time at Brentwood Academy and was named both the 2023 Men’s and Junior Player of the Year by the Tennessee Golf Association.

Naysayers will argue that it’s premature for Brown to make this leap, citing the fact he didn’t make it out of the first stage of PGA Tour Q-School this fall. But don’t underestimate this young man who carries himself with humility and maturity beyond his years. He and his family have counted the costs. This is not a rash decision without gathering a multitude of data points. The Browns have decided his time has arrived. Others in the know have validated his decision as evidenced by the sponsor exemptions already in place for him to bring his skills to the Tour.

Brown is represented by the same agency as Ashay Bhatia, also a former elite junior golfer who bypassed college and is now succeeding on the PGA Tour. So, there is also a level of comfort there as well.

“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 added on his social media post. “While I am proud of the accomplishments of my amateur career, I am focused on the future and getting off to a strong start in my professional career.”

Every angle of this decision to turn professional was considered by Brown beforehand, and his family is known by those closest to them to have a very deep faith that they have leaned into during this process. This isn’t a young man chasing dollars and fame. It’s someone who has put in the work and has been blessed with natural ability to now fulfill his calling.

“I want to thank God for the many blessings He has bestowed upon me and giving me the talents to pursue a childhood dream,” Brown said.

I, for one, wouldn’t bet against him. Before long, I suspect the name “Blades” may be known by all.

Paul Payne can be emailed at paulpayne6249@gmail.com