Golf prodigy Miles Russell, aged just 15, is making waves on the Korn Ferry Tour and has sent a warning to PGA Tour stars after his latest impressive outing.
The young star made his debut on the circuit that serves as a stepping stone to the PGA Tour last week at the LECOM Suncoast Classic, where he held his own against seasoned competitors. His three rounds in the 60s and a one-under-par 71 not only saw him make the cut but also finish within the top-20 at 14-under-par for the tournament.
Just days later, Russell was back in action at the Veritex Bank Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour, where he once again demonstrated his potential by carding an impressive three-under-par 68 in Thursday's opening round.
Starting his week with eight consecutive pars, Russell moved into the red just before the turn with a birdie at the par-five ninth at Texas Rangers Golf Club. He then found his stride on the back nine, adding back-to-back birdies to his card at the 13th and 14th, before making another at the 16th.
Russell looked set to go bogey-free through his opening 18 holes, but a mistake at the last saw him make a bogey, leaving him three-under for the tournament. At just 15 years old, the American's extraordinary rise has already turned heads at the top of the game - having earned a spot on the PGA Tour later this season.
The golfing prodigy will make his much-anticipated PGA Tour debut this November at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, held at the prestigious Port Royal Golf Course. The young star secured his place by virtue of being the reigning American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Junior Player of the Year.
Breaking a record previously held by none other than Tiger Woods, the Korn Ferry Tour sensation became the youngest ever to clinch the AJGA award. Eagerly awaiting his Bermuda adventure, Russell expressed his excitement: "I am honoured to be receiving an exemption into the 2024 Butterfield Bermuda Championship."
He continued: "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. I am grateful to the tournament and the AJGA for their partnership that is allowing me this incredible opportunity."
Despite his amateur status preventing him from pocketing prize money on the Korn Ferry Tour, Russell's talent has not gone unnoticed. He's currently ranked within the top-100 of the World Amateur Golf Ranking and has made his initial ascent in the Official World Golf Ranking this week, landing at 1738th after not being ranked previously.
Reflecting on his recent performance, the young athlete stated: "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. But good play is always good, and definitely confidence-boosting to finish where we're going to finish today."
