Ryo Ishikawa Compares Early Careers, Sees Blades Brown's Greater US Aptitude
Japanese golf veteran Ryo Ishikawa offers a candid comparison of his early career to that of rising American talent Blades Brown. Ishikawa, 34, believes 19-year-old Brown shows greater aptitude for US professional circuits at a similar age.
Ishikawa's Trajectory and Current Ambition
Ryo Ishikawa, 34, is pursuing a PGA Tour return. He currently competes on the Korn Ferry Tour. Seventeen years ago, Ishikawa debuted on the PGA Tour aged 17. He had already won on the Japan Tour at 15. By 20, he ranked among the world's top 50 players. Ishikawa played on the PGA Tour from 2012 to 2017. He recorded two runner-up finishes and nine top-10 results. A back injury led to his PGA Tour card loss in 2017. He then secured 20 Japan Tour victories.
A Veteran's View on Young Talent
Ishikawa recently played with 19-year-old Blades Brown at the Evans Scholars Invitational. He noted Brown's superior readiness for American professional golf. Ishikawa stated Brown is "way better" than he was at 18 or 19. He considers Brown the Korn Ferry Tour's best player currently. Brown turned professional at 17, bypassing university. He earned full-time Korn Ferry Tour status. Last year, Brown made his first PGA Tour cut at the Mexico Open.
Brown's Progress and Strategy
Earlier this year, Brown played in the final group at the American Express. He competed alongside Scottie Scheffler and Si Woo Kim. Brown expressed confidence from this experience. After turning 19, he finished T14 at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. This result secured him Special Temporary Membership on the PGA Tour.
Brown maintains a dual focus, also seeking a PGA Tour card via the Korn Ferry Tour. He currently ranks ninth on the Korn Ferry Tour points list. The top 20 players earn PGA Tour cards.
The Path Ahead for Both Golfers
Brown's strategy demonstrates the Korn Ferry Tour's role for young talent. He credits the tour for developing his low-scoring ability. This week, Brown shot a 10-under 62 at the Evans Scholars Invitational. He seeks his first Korn Ferry Tour win and more points. Ishikawa, meanwhile, continues his decade-long quest for a PGA Tour return.
Both players demonstrate different paths to professional success. Their progress on the Korn Ferry Tour will determine their immediate PGA Tour prospects.
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