Fifteen-year-old golf sensation, Miles Russell, is set to etch his name in PGA Tour history books as he prepares for his debut later this year, marking a milestone achieved by none other than Tiger Woods himself.
Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, this high school freshman made waves by becoming the youngest player ever to make the cut at a Korn Ferry Tour event. His impressive performance at the LECOM Suncoast Classic, where he carded rounds of 68 and 66, secured him a spot in the weekend rounds, ultimately finishing tied for 20th at 14-under-par. This achievement solidified his status as the first player under the age of 16 to crack the top 25 in either a PGA Tour or Korn Ferry Tour event.
Russell’s remarkable display of skill not only earned him a place in this week’s Veritex Bank Championship but also garnered him a coveted sponsor’s exemption for the Butterfield Bermuda Championship in November. This invitation serves as recognition for his stellar 2023 season, where he clinched the title of American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Junior Player of the Year, surpassing Woods’ longstanding record as the youngest recipient of the award.
Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity, Russell shared, “I am honored to be receiving an exemption into the 2024 Butterfield Bermuda Championship. I have dreamt of playing on the PGA Tour my entire life, and to have that dream coming to fruition later this year is a feeling that I cannot describe.”
Despite his status as an amateur, Russell’s tour appearances will be invaluable experiences as he continues to hone his craft. Currently ranked second in the Junior Golf Scoreboard rankings for American boys, Russell is already making waves in the golfing world. His ascent to the top 100 of the World Amateur Golf Ranking and his debut in the Official World Golf Ranking at 1738th place underscore his potential as a future star in the sport.
Reflecting on his breakthrough week on the Korn Ferry Tour, Russell remarked, “When I play well, I think I can compete with some of the better pros, but this week I played well and I think it kind of showed it a little bit.” His confidence and determination are evident as he sets his sights on scaling even greater heights in the world of professional golf.