Blades Brown Withdraws from THE CJ CUP for Korn Ferry Tour
News Summary
Emerging golf star Blades Brown has made the strategic decision to withdraw from THE CJ CUP to pursue a Special Temporary Membership on the Korn Ferry Tour. Following an impressive runner-up finish at the Veritex Bank Championship, where he showcased his talent with a final-round score of 63, Brown aims to secure more playing opportunities. With just 53 points shy of eligibility for special membership, he looks to climb the ranks in the Korn Ferry Tour and earn a spot on the 2026 PGA TOUR. The countdown to his 18th birthday adds urgency to his ambitions.
Blades Brown Steps Back from THE CJ CUP, Eyes Korn Ferry Tour Superstardom
In an exciting turn of events in the world of golf, emerging star Blades Brown has decided to withdraw from THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson as he shifts his focus towards gaining a much-coveted Special Temporary Membership on the Korn Ferry Tour. Talk about ambition!
Why the Big Decision?
You might be wondering why Blades made this bold move. Well, for starters, this decision is anything but a sign of injury or weakness. The young pro finished impressively as the runner-up at the Korn Ferry Tour’s Veritex Bank Championship. Now he’s ready to take his game to the next level and solidify his status on the Korn Ferry Tour.
Turning pro at just 17 years old back in December, Blades currently doesn’t hold any status on major tours. But with his recent success, he’s squeaked into eligibility for the Special Temporary Membership, which sounds super important—and it is!
What is Special Temporary Membership?
Let’s break it down a bit. The Special Temporary Membership allows players who demonstrate potential to have more opportunities to play. Brown is close to earning this perk—just 53 points shy! This is the equivalent of securing a 16th-place finish at a regular Korn Ferry Tour event. And we all know how competitive those tournaments can be!
Keep Climbing the Ranks
To assist in his climb, Blades brilliantly qualified for the Tulum Championship at PGA Riviera Maya, thanks to his top-25 finish at the Veritex Bank Championship. Remaining in the field of the Korn Ferry Tour not only opens doors for more points but offers a vital link to achieving that coveted membership.
In simple terms, if he had opted to stick around in THE CJ CUP, he would only have one sponsor exemption left before his 18th birthday on May 21, which could really limit his playing schedule. But this young talent knows the score—more playing time means better chances of racking up points!
A Stellar Performance
Now let’s talk about his performance at the Veritex Bank Championship. Brown set the course ablaze with a final-round score of 63, finishing in a five-way tie for second at an impressive 27-under par. That’s some serious golf! Over the weekend, he dazzled spectators and competitors alike, nailing a staggering total of 27 birdies and three eagles against just six bogeys. What a show!
He went into the final round just three shots behind the eventual champion but left no doubt about his talent. His first round even included a jaw-dropping score of 61, marking the lowest ever recorded by an under-18 player on either the PGA TOUR or Korn Ferry Tour. Clearly, this kid has a bright future ahead!
What’s Next for Brown?
Blades Brown currently ranks No. 44 on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List, and things look promising for him. The wonderful part about this path is that the top 20 players on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List after the Finals will earn membership on the 2026 PGA TOUR. Exciting, right? With three sponsor exemptions already under his belt this year, including the Veritex Bank Championship, he is truly on the brink of something monumental.
With every swing, every hole, and every point earned, Blades Brown is proving he’s a name to remember in this sport. The upcoming months are going to be thrilling for both him and his growing fanbase. As he turns his focus to the Korn Ferry Tour, the world is watching—will he rise to the occasion? Only time will tell, but if this weekend was any indication, he’s more than ready!
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