Teen Miles Russell, 17, Makes U.S. Open Debut, Recalls Tiger’s 2019 Masters as First Golf Memory

Miles Russell, the 17-year-old No. 1 junior golfer in the world, is making his U.S. Open debut this week at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on Long Island, instantly becoming the youngest player in the 156-player field. During a formal press conference on Wednesday, Russell offered a striking perspective on his age when asked about his memories of past U.S. Opens.

“Maybe bits and pieces, but that’s probably more from seeing highlights from it. I don’t know. I don’t really remember watching any U.S. Opens when I was that little,” Russell said. “I think my first kind of golf memory from watching it was maybe Spieth in 2015 at the Masters. I think really remembering it was Tiger in 2019.” The comment underscored the generational divide in golf, as Russell was born in 2008 and was only 11 when Woods won the 2019 Masters.

Russell’s path to the U.S. Open was dramatic. He advanced through a three-man playoff in the final stage of qualifying on June 8, the so-called “Longest Day,” playing 38 holes. Notably, his caddie during that qualifier was Charlie Woods, Tiger Woods’ son, who like Russell has committed to play college golf at Florida State. For the tournament itself, Russell chose his coach, Ramon Bescansa — who caddied for Russell Knox at Shinnecock in 2018 — as his caddie.

The teenager is grouped with the oldest player in the field, 54-year-old Padraig Harrington, for the first two rounds. Russell was in the womb when Harrington won the Open Championship and PGA Championship in 2008. Beyond Harrington, Russell has mingled with stars such as Jordan Spieth and Bryson DeChambeau, appearing on DeChambeau’s YouTube channel in a video that has nearly three million views. “I looked up to him as a little guy,” Russell said of Spieth. “That’s just really cool.”

Despite the spotlight, Russell said he plans to treat the U.S. Open “like if it was an AJGA tournament, where I’m just trying to come here and play good golf and see where my game lines up with some of the best players in the world.” He has already made his first PGA Tour cut this year, tying for 50th at the Puerto Rico Open in March, and in 2024 became the youngest player in Korn Ferry Tour history to make a cut. He could become the second-youngest man since World War II to make a U.S. Open cut, after Beau Hossler in 2012.

Russell said he has learned from observing the pros’ disciplined approach. “How boring they play,” he noted. “You watch them play, and you’re, like, man, this guy plays pretty boring, and at the end of the round, you’re seeing the score, and he shoots like 65.” He acknowledged that competing at Shinnecock will be a severe test, but he is embracing the challenge. “It’s going to be a good test,” he said. “I think not overdoing it in the first few days even though you’re here at a major and you’re really excited, because this is what you worked for and dreamed for.”