Making his mark as a high school freshman, Miles Russell enjoyed the opportunity to compete in a professional golf event, and now he’s set to extend that experience further.
At just 15 years old, Russell made history as the youngest player to make a cut in a Korn Ferry Tour event. His impressive final-round performance, a 66 at the LECOM Suncoast Classic in Bradenton, Fla., propelled him up the leaderboard, securing a tie for 20th place at 14 under par.
Securing a spot among the top 25 in a Korn Ferry event grants eligibility to play the following week, and with his solid finish, Russell is poised to continue his journey on the tour.
Despite a bogey on the 18th hole, Russell’s performance left him tied for 15th when he completed his round at Lakewood National.
Playing on a sponsor’s exemption, Russell aimed to achieve his goal of finishing within the top 25. With consistent play throughout the tournament, including rounds of 66-66 to make the cut, followed by a 70 on Saturday, his final-round score earned him a place in the Veritex Bank Championship in Arlington, Texas.
Last year, Russell made headlines by breaking Tiger Woods’ record as the youngest player to be named American Junior Golf Association Player of the Year. Hailing from Jacksonville Beach, Fla., Russell’s talent has drawn praise from golfing legend Phil Mickelson and garnered attention from the PGA Tour, with a sponsor’s exemption secured for the Butterfield Bermuda Championship in November.
Reflecting on his achievement after making the cut, Russell expressed gratitude for the opportunity to test his skills against top competition, acknowledging the experience as a valuable learning opportunity for his future in the sport.
