Blade Brown made history in his first pro fight, but he did something even more impressive after failing to advance.
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Blaze Brown made waves and made PGA Tour history in his second round at the American Express in La Quinta, Calif., on Friday.
After opening with a mediocre 72 on Thursday, the 17-year-old, making his debut this week, had eight birdies and a 64 in nine holes at the Nicklaus Course. Number of PGA Tour events played by players under 18 years of age.
Despite the heat on Friday, Brown still needs a solid round on Saturday to advance. But the Pete Dye Stadium course defeated the 17-year-old, and Brown shot 4 over over the final five holes, including a water ball on the par-3 17th. He finished three rounds at 6 under, three shots behind the cut line.
While Brown didn't have the Saturday he imagined, the 17-year-old offered wisdom beyond his years as he looks to the future.
“Golf is a weird, interesting game,” Brown told Golf Channel after the third round. “You're going to get good breaks from bad at-bats and you're going to get bad breaks from good at-bats. But I'm going to keep my head high. It's going to sting a little bit, but I'm excited for what's next.
Brown plans to use Saturday's mistake as a learning experience next time he plays on the PGA Tour. (Brown plans to try Monday to qualify for next week's Farmers Insurance Open.) He has already documented his experience at the American Express. He would dissect that later to build on what was still a successful pro debut, and the failed tee shot on the 17th was a prime example of how he improved.
“I think mentally, I could definitely grow there,” Brown said of the water polo that helped seal his fate. “I mean, there's a lot going on on this golf course. I'm grateful and grateful to be here.
Brown admitted he was “mentally exhausted” when he hit the par-3 17th hole. He must work hard to hone his will to find his home in the top echelon of professional golf.
The 17-year-old can only consider his week at the American Express a positive – one that includes a history of putting through the heat and plenty of lessons that should help shape his abilities as he attempts to make his way across the professional golf landscape.
“It's great to be on the PGA Tour,” Brown said Saturday. “Unfortunately, I couldn't convert at the end, but, I mean, a lot of practice. I'm glad I'm doing it now; so I can learn. My dad always said, 'You win, You can learn something' and I will definitely learn from this experience.
The Browns will play on the PGA Tour. But winning on tour requires more than crisp iron play and artistry on the greens.
After a heartbreaking end to Amex Week, Brown displayed the mental fortitude needed to match his pure swing.
This combination should help create a bright future for the 17-year-old phenom. This week is just a glimpse of what the future may hold.
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