Miles Russell Shows Promise at the Rocket Mortgage ClassicMiles Russell Shows Promise at the Rocket Mortgage Classic Despite finishing even par through the first two days of the Rocket Mortgage Classic, 15-year-old Miles Russell garnered significant attention from golf fans. Russell, who became the youngest player to compete on the Korn Ferry Tour in April, made his PGA Tour debut as a sponsor’s exemption. Despite the age-related restrictions for facilities at the Detroit Golf Club, the venue made exceptions for Russell. Russell displayed his talent with impressive shots, including a 2-under round on the second day. However, he ultimately missed the cut but left a lasting impression as a potential future PGA Tour prospect. Social media captured some of Russell’s highlights: * Chip shot within striking distance of the cut line * Near-perfect bunker shot for a tap-in birdie * Accurate approach shot for a birdie putt on the second day * His very first birdie on the PGA Tour Russell’s performance at the Rocket Mortgage Classic showcased his skills and determination. As he continues to grow and improve, it’s likely that he will earn more opportunities to compete on the PGA Tour in the future.
The Rocket Mortgage Classic saw many low-scoring golfers over the first two days. Akshay Bhatia was 13 under through two rounds, while other golfers such as Troy Merritt, Taylor Montgomery, Cam Davis and Eric Cole were also all more than 10 strokes under par.
Still, fans at the Detroit Golf Club were more interested in a golfer who finished his first two rounds at even par: Miles Russell.
Golf fans had good reason to be interested in Russell. The 15-year-old was making his first-ever PGA Tour start after becoming the youngest player to compete on the Korn Ferry Tour in April.
Could Russell continue to show his magic and earn a chance to play the weekend? It wouldn’t be easy for the young golfer, even with favorable scoring conditions at Detroit Golf Club. That’s why so many golf fans tuned in to see exactly what the rising star could do.
Ultimately, Russell didn’t make the cut, but he still made plenty of highlights and established himself as a potential future PGA Tour prospect.
Here’s what you need to know about Russell after his performance at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.
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Who is Miles Russell?
Russell is a 15-year-old golfer who made his PGA Tour debut at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.
Russell entered the field as a sponsor’s exemption after a strong performance at the Suncoast Classic. The lefthander became the youngest player to break into the Korn Ferry Tour en route to a 14-under finish and a tie for 20th.
Russell has been reminded of his age in several ways this week at the Detroit Golf Club. He was unable to provide the courtesy car given to him by the PGA Tour this week, and technically he was not allowed to use the men’s members locker room, which is reserved for golfers 16 or older.
This week, an exception is being made at Detroit Golf Club for 15-year-old Miles Russell, who will be playing in the @RocketClassic. Look closely! pic.twitter.com/yuo8OBVzi1
— Todd Lewis (@ToddLewisGC) June 27, 2024
The venue made an exception for Russell, who showed more than 36 holes at the club, hitting his first ball 305 yards down the middle of the fairway and shaking off a few nervous moments to finish his first day on 2 over.
“I should have been nervous all day,” Russell said of his first round, according to ESPN. “It was a good day, I felt comfortable.”
Russell responded with a 2 under on his second day at the tournament. At one point he pushed his round as low as 4 under, putting him within striking distance of the cut line.
Ultimately he couldn’t overcome the barrier to make it through the weekend, but the 15-year-old can be proud of his equal debut on the PGA Tour.
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Miles Russell in the spotlight at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Russell had many memorable moments at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. Here he is on the second day of the tournament, chipping from the green to get within hitting distance of the cut line.
What did you do when you were 15 years old?
High school sophomore Miles Russell makes birdie on PGA TOUR
pic.twitter.com/J5IUJighTU
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 28, 2024
Russell also hit a near-perfect bunker shot to set up a tap-in birdie putt earlier in the round.
The short game features 15-year-old Miles Russell
He goes into the red with a birdie on number 7 @RocketClassic. photo.twitter.com/YS5Ui7QUH9
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 28, 2024
His first approach shot of the day was pretty good too, as he set himself up with a short birdie putt to start his second day.
Miles Russell is ready for round 2!
The 15-year-old throws a dart to the first to open his day with a birdie @RocketClassic. photo.twitter.com/ix70OAUpjr
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 28, 2024
And of course you can read here how he made his very first birdie on the PGA Tour at the Detroit Golf Club.
First birdie on TOUR for 15-year-old Miles Russell
photo.twitter.com/5tLfnf5HuW
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 27, 2024
Russell may not have made it, but he showed his talent and proved that he can eventually become a star on the PGA Tour. It won’t be long before he earns a second start on the PGA Tour, especially if he continues to grow and improve.