Blades Brown has admitted that his T14 CJ Cup Byron Nelson finish felt like vindication for opting not to attend college to pursue his dream of making the PGA Tour.
Sunday saw Wyndham Clark win the CJ Cup Byron Nelson with one of the best days of his career, shooting a stunning final-round 60 to win his fourth PGA Tour title. Following his win, however,Clark was immediately hit by a hefty tax bill.
Clarkalso brought up the meltdown he was banned for to CBS Sports' Amanda Balionisfollowing his victory at TPC Craig Ranch. And while Clark was left celebrating his win, Brown was left celebrating his T14 finish, which saw him earn just shy of $188,000 in prize money.
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Two years ago, Brown decided to forgo college to turn pro, hoping to make the PGA Tour as soon as possible rather than take the conventional route.
While the teenage golfer's decision has led to some bumpy roads, with Brown having made just three cuts in eight PGA Tour starts last year, he did secure full-time Korn Ferry Tour status for this season, with the 19-year-old having impressed on both tours this season.
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At the beginning of the year, he found himself in the final group at the American Express alongside Scottie Scheffler and Si Woo Kim.
Then, on Sunday, Brown entered the final day knowing he needed to finish at least as high as 21st place for a Special Temporary PGA Tour Membership. The membership allows players unlimited sponsor exemptions through the rest of the PGA Tour season, with players who don't have access to the temporary membership capped at seven sponsor invites.
Thankfully, Brown shot a 4-under 67 on Sunday to finish T14, earning himself enough FedEx Cup points to qualify for the temporary membership.
Following his performance this weekend, Brown was asked whether he feels vindicated by his decision to forgo college to go pro, and the 19-year-old admitted he does. "Yeah, absolutely," said Brown.
"I know my route to the PGA Tour is a very uncommon route. It's mainly because of my parents. They've been my biggest supporters. They've sacrificed so much, especially my dad. He's been -- I think he's missed about two events in my entire life, and he believed in me whenever I didn't believe in myself.
"It's been pretty cool, and I'm really happy with the decision I made to turn pro."
He also added: "I mean, good golf takes care of everything. The Korn Ferry Tour is awesome. For me, what it's done for me is it's provided me a pathway to the PGA TOUR.
"The cool thing that I think it's done is it's taught me to go low. I can't thank the Korn Ferry Tour enough for teaching me those valuable lessons because everybody out on the PGA TOUR, they can go low. Look at Wyndham, look at Scottie, look at Si Woo. 28-under, 27-under is not joke. Without the Korn Ferry Tour, I would not have had that strength."