Tue Dec 17 17:50:00 UTC 2024: ## Golf Prodigy Blades Brown Skips College, Turns Pro at 17

**La Quinta, CA** – Seventeen-year-old Blades Brown, the top-ranked player in the Class of 2026, has announced he is forgoing college and turning professional. Brown, who recently broke Bobby Jones’s 103-year-old record as the youngest medalist at stroke play in the U.S. Amateur, made the announcement via social media. He will make his professional debut at The American Express in La Quinta, California, from January 16-19, playing on a sponsor exemption.

Brown, ranked number one in the American Junior Golf Association, stated that after careful consideration and seeking advice, he felt turning pro was the best path forward. He cited his desire to focus on building a strong professional career as his motivation. His impressive amateur career includes not only his record-breaking U.S. Amateur performance but also a top-26 finish at the PGA Tour’s Myrtle Beach Classic earlier this year.

Brown’s decision follows a family legacy of athletic excellence. His mother, Rhonda Blade, was a WNBA player and the league’s first to make a three-point shot. While Brown had received offers from several top golf programs, he ultimately chose to pursue his professional aspirations immediately.

Read More