Blades Brown, only 17, posts final-round 63, ties for second in Korn Ferry Tour event in Texas

When Blades Brown, only 17, announced in December that he was turning professional, the name that came to mind was Ty Tryon, who at 16 turned pro and, well, was a bust. It’s too early to gauge Brown’s decision to similarly forgo college golf, but on Sunday he made a significant stride toward quelling any criticism of his decision.

Brown, playing only his third Korn Ferry Tour event, birdied five of his last six holes in a back nine of seven-under 29 in the Veritex Bank Championship at Texas Rangers Golf Club in Arlington, posted an eight-under 63, and for a time was in a five-way tie for the lead, though other co-leaders were still on the course.

Johnny Keefer birdied three of his last four holes to win by three, but Brown tied for second with four others at 27-under 257. He has made the cut in all three Korn Ferry Tour events and in one of four PGA Tour events he has played this year.

Brown will turn 18 next month.