Two months ago, 15-year-old Miles Russell set an incredible record by becoming the youngest player to ever qualify for a Korn Ferry Tour event. He ultimately finished tied for 20th at the LECOM Suncoast Classic, earning a spot in the following week’s tournament.
He missed the cut despite finishing 4-under after 36 holes, but Russell made such an impression that the Rocket Mortgage Classic has given him a sponsored entry into this week’s event at the Detroit Golf Club.
“I was almost speechless at the time,” Russell said when he got the call to make his PGA Tour debut at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.
“It’s always been my dream to play at the highest level and compete against the best players in the world, and this week it’s happening. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Russell has had an impressive resume, from hitting his first par at age 6 to finishing second in the Drive, Chip, Putt final at Augusta National in 2018 at age 9.
Since then, Russell has won numerous junior titles, winning the Junior PGA Championship by seven strokes last August and then the Junior Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass by three strokes. As a result, Russell was named the American Junior Golf Association’s (AJGA) Player of the Year, surpassing Tiger Woods to become the youngest player ever to win the award. Speaking of Woods, Russell will face Charlie Woods next month in the U.S. Junior Amateur at Oakland Hills Country Club, also in Michigan.
“It’s just been a rollercoaster experience. It’s been a fun rollercoaster ride,” Russell said.
“It all happened quicker than I expected, but that’s what happens when you play well.”
Whatever the outcome, Russell will undoubtedly continue to have fun this week at the Detroit Golf Club, home of the Rocket Mortgage Classic. He said he’ll have to rely on his strong short game to navigate the tight course, but noted that staying disciplined is crucial.
“My goal is just to come out here and have fun,” Russell said.
“That’s my main goal: to have fun, learn something and bring something to the next event.”
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation Playing Through. Follow For more golf articles, follow us on Twitter Jack Mirko In the same way.
