15-Year-Old Miles Russell Impresses on Korn Ferry Tour, Challenges Bermuda's Top Young Golf Talent

Miles Russell, a 15-year-old golf prodigy from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, has been making waves on the Korn Ferry Tour this year. Russell recently became the youngest player since records began in 1983 to complete a top-25 finish on either the PGA Tour or Korn Ferry Tour, posting a 5-under 66 on Sunday and finishing tied for 20th at the LECOM Suncoast Classic.

The reigning American Junior Golf Association's Player of the Year earned a spot in the Veritex Bank Championship and a sponsor exemption to compete in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship on the PGA Tour this fall. Russell's impressive performance has raised expectations that he could challenge Oliver Betschart as Bermuda's top young golf talent ahead of the 2024 Butterfield Bermuda Championship.

Russell, who is still an amateur, made his professional debut last week at the LECOM Suncoast Classic. His accomplishment of becoming the youngest player to make a Korn Ferry Tour cut and recording the first top-25 finish by a player under 16 on either the PGA Tour or Korn Ferry Tour since 1983 has attracted significant attention.

The talented young golfer's 2023 season includes a seven-shot win at the Junior PGA Championship and a three-shot win at the Junior Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. The opportunity to compete in the 2024 Butterfield Bermuda Championship, thanks to an agreement between the tournament and the AJGA, is a dream come true for the high school freshman attending online school.

Despite his success, Russell plans to remain an amateur and continue his junior and amateur schedule this summer, which includes defending his title in the Junior Players Championship. He has been surprised by the attention and media requests following his recent accomplishments, but his support team, including his parents and caddie, have helped him stay focused on golf.

"I think with the technology and the coaching nowadays, I don't think I'll be the last 15-year-old to do this," Russell said, citing the increased access to resources for young golfers.

As the 2024 Butterfield Bermuda Championship approaches, all eyes will be on Miles Russell and Oliver Betschart, as they potentially vie for the title of Bermuda's top young golf talent.

Why this matters: Miles Russell's impressive performance on the Korn Ferry Tour at such a young age highlights the increasing talent and potential of the next generation of golfers. His success could inspire more young players to pursue their dreams and challenge established competitors in the world of professional golf.

Key Takeaways

• 15-year-old golf prodigy Miles Russell makes top-25 Korn Ferry Tour finish
• Earns PGA Tour exemptions for Veritex Bank and Butterfield Bermuda Championships
• Youngest player since 1983 to achieve a top-25 Korn Ferry Tour finish
• Wins Junior PGA and Junior Players Championships in 2023 season
• Potential rivalry with Oliver Betschart as Bermuda's top young golf talent