The world of golf has been buzzing about the debut in the Rocket Mortgage Classic of a youngster who is aiming very high at a very young age. Nike and TaylorMade have already ‘hunted him down’
His name is Miles Russell and his name has been ringing loudly in the world of golf for some time, although it was last April when his career took a big leap forward. At the age of 15, he became the youngest player to make the cut on the Korn Ferry Tour (the second American circuit). He finished in 20th place, making him the youngest golfer to finish in the top 25 of a PGA Tour-sanctioned tournament.
This Thursday he makes his debut in the big leagues – the PGA Tour – at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, where he is invited by the sponsor. He has aroused so much expectation not only because of his result in the Korn Ferry, but also because it was the confirmation that the boy has something.
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He is the youngest winner of both the Junior PGA Championship and the Junior Players. He won the former with a seven stroke lead and a cumulative score of 18 under par. In the Players he shot 70-66-71 to win by three under par at the legendary TPC Sawgrass.
Russell, 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, has already signed with TaylorMade and Nike. The big brands are already rubbing their hands, although it is too early to predict how the career of a youngster who is still in his formative years will develop. But what has surprised everyone is that Miles is already taking to tournaments as if he were a professional. According to PGATour.com, earlier this month the young talent went to play the Rocket Mortgage course and also Oakland Hills, the venue for this year’s US Junior Amateur.
Mexican PGA Tour player Raul Pereda, with whom he shares a coach, has no doubt that this is a special boy: “He is a top player. We’re looking at a young Tiger Woods. This kid is a prodigy. I’m amazed at how he’s developed as an athlete in such a short time since I’ve known him,” he told PGATour.com. According to Pereda, Miles already has the short game of a tour pro and will soon reach the average swing speed of a PGA player.
Russell‘s life revolves around golf. In fact, his day is entirely dependent on the sport. If the weather is fine in the mornings, he plays golf in the mornings and attends school in the afternoons. If the sun rises with rain, the order is reversed. Nevertheless, Russell is enthusiastic: “I don’t think golf feels like work because I love it so much. We’re already looking forward to seeing him in action.”
