The 17-year-old Blades Brown is playing chess while the rest of the world is playing checkers. The young American golfing talent was offered an exemption to participate in the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in Dallas, but instead, he chose to take part in the Tulum Championship at the PGA Riviera Maya in Mexico. A curious decision, right? Well, on introspection, it is as straightforward a decision as they come.
Brown’s goal is pretty simple. He is looking at getting a full PGA Tour card for next season, which is on offer for players in the top 20 of the Korn Ferry Tour list. He very recently jumped from 140th in the standings to 44th after a T2 finish at the Veritex Bank Championship. That was only his third start on the Tour, all three based on exemptions. He is only allowed one more exemption unless he finishes in the top 25 in the week before.
I’m about to be on @SiriusXMPGATOUR with Carl Paulson and Dennis Paulson.
Talking Blades Brown decision to skip the Byron (the correct decision).
— Monday Q Info (@acaseofthegolf1) April 28, 2025
So, Brown gets to participate in the Tulum event without the need for an exemption and thereby increases his chances of improving his points tally and standings in his bid to gain PGA Tour status. Although fans are heavily divided over his decision, with some complimenting him for such a decision at a young age, while others were not particularly for it, as he is missing out on PGA Tour experience.
Fans are divided over Blades Brown’s decision
“That is what you call getting it done on the field of play. Earning his way.” One fan stated, expressing his admiration for Brown’s willingness to grind it out and follow the process instead of relying on hand-me-downs or solely on sponsor exemptions.
Another fan looked at the tough journey ahead of the youngster. “He only has one more invite exemption on the KFT for the year, so it would all come down to that one event. Tough choice, though, to give up a spot on the PGAT for sure.” The fan explained his thoughts.
What do you think of Blades Brown’s decision? Is it the right call at this stage of his career?
This is a developing story..
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