Golf prodigy Miles Russell is preparing to play on the PGA Tour at age 15.
The high school phenom accepted a sponsor exemption for the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit later this month.
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Russell will be among the youngest players to debut on the PGA Tour.
The record belongs to Michelle Wie West, who obtained a sponsor’s exemption to play in the 2004 Sony Open at the age of 14 years, 3 months and 4 days.
“Since I started playing golf, my dream has been to compete on the PGA Tour and test my game against the best players,” said Russell.
“And I look forward to making the most of the experience later this month.”
It’s the latest step in the rapidly growing career of Russell, who recently became the youngest player to be part of the developing Korn Ferry Tour.
In April, Russell opened with rounds of 68 and 66 to make the cut at the Suncoast Classic, beating a record set by Tony Finau’s brother, Gipper, in 2006.
Russell finished tied for 20th, becoming the youngest player since 1983 to finish in the top 25 in a Korn Ferry Tour or PGA Tour event.
The Florida native has been taking online classes since eighth grade to further his golf career.
And it paid off, with Russell being named American Junior Golf Association Player of the Year for 2023 after a seven-stroke victory at the Junior PGA Championship.
He became the youngest player to receive the honor, beating the mark set by the legendary Tiger Woods in 1991.
Russell is shocked by the attention he has received on his career.
“If I could choose, I wouldn’t have any of this [the attention],” he told Florida Times-Union.
“But that’s what happens when you play well, so you have to get used to it every now and then.
“Everyone has been nice and easy to work with and I hope it stays that way.”
He remains humble despite his newfound fame, which included a message from Phil Mickelson on social media.
“I think that’s my personality,” he said.
“I don’t like being flashy with things, like walking a certain way.
“I like to just go about my business and do my thing.”
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Russell accepted a sponsor’s exemption to play in the Bermuda Championship in November.
He is also expected to return to the Detroit area in July to compete in the U.S. Amateur at Oakland Hills Country Club.
The prodigy praised his parents Joe and Kelli, as well as caddy and swing instructor Ramon Bescana, for helping him stay grounded.
“[Bescana is] the nicest, most positive guy you’ll ever meet,” he said.
“The vibes it gives off… when you’re on the golf course, that’s all you need.
“He can change the mood and make you go [and] his golf knowledge is on a different level.”
Russell cannot be a full member of the PGA Tour or Korn Ferry Tour until he turns 18.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
