Called the ‘Next Tiger Woods’, 15YO Miles Russell Already Following in the Legend’s Footsteps at PGA Tour Debut

While a return to peak form for the 1996-era Tiger Woods might be unlikely, the golfing world is abuzz with the arrival of another young prodigy—Miles Russell. Shaking off any first-tee jitters, 15-year-old prodigy Miles Russell carded a respectable 2-over 74 in his PGA Tour debut at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, further fueling his confidence.

The thriving amateur has always been poised at big events. If you have forgotten, in late April, Russell became the youngest golfer to make the cut at a PGA Tour-sanctioned event and finished 20th at the LECOM Suncoast Classic. Miles Russell’s overflowing confidence is not just youthful brashness; rather, his self-assured demeanor gives off a similar aura that once surrounded the young Tiger Woods.

Miles Russell follows Tiger Woods’s path to success, little by little

Remember 1996, when Tiger Woods candidly told Curtis Strange ahead of his PGA Tour debut at the Greater Milwaukee Open, “Second sucks and third is even worse” At that time, Strange thought Woods was “cocky.” However, no one knew that the 20-year-old would go on to become one of golf’s greats. Twenty years after that sit-down interview, Strange had to take back his words as the young lad had by then become the Woods we all know!

Fast forward to 2024, and a new young talent has entered the scene. While Curtis Strange was not there to interview Miles Russell, the 15-year-old amateur displayed similar confidence. At the post-round press conference, the Jacksonville native was asked about his thoughts on the first round. The unfazed amateur replied, “Today was a great day, I mean for it to be the first, definitely wasn’t quite what I was hoping for, but, we live, we learn, we move on.”

Russell might ooze confidence like the yesteryear’s Woods, but the young prodigy also showcased a rather mature side as he reflected on his first-round performance and hoped for a better finish on the second day. His sensible statement surely asserted his golf intelligence. But did the size of the gallery affect Russell’s game at all? After all, junior events don’t have such large audiences. Russell clarified, “It was fun…it’s a cool experience and just looking forward to it again.” 

After receiving a sponsor’s exemption for the Rocket Mortgage Classic, who knows when Russell will tee up again at the PGA Tour? The 15-year-old has many years before making his professional debut. However, he might follow in Woods’ footsteps and return to the PGA Tour at the age of 20. Called the ‘next Tiger Woods’ of the golf world, Russell shares many similarities with the legend, beyond just his confidence.

Miles Russell breaks the 32-year-old record of Tiger Woods

Ranked as the No. 1 player at the American Junior Golf Association, one thing can be said: the 15-year-old too loves to be a winner and be the first in all the games. Miles Russell got his best AJGA ranking courtesy of two incredible victories in the 2023 season. The young prodigy won the Boys PGA Championship in August last year.

Following that, he then emerged victorious at the Junior PLAYERS Championship and later earned the AJGA Player of the Year Award at the age of 15 months and one day, topping Tiger Woods, who won it at the age of 15 years, 4 months, and two days old. But that’s not all, except for breaking Woods’s records, Russell had also made a few of his own.

After a historic run at the LECOM Suncoast Classic, the high school freshman became the first young amateur on record (1983) to finish in the top 25 at the PGA Tour or Korn Ferry Tour. With such a bright resume, Russell has more chances to become the next youngest player to win a PGA Tour event.