Miles Russell. The 16-year-old golf phenom from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, just captured the prestigious Junior Invitational at Sage Valley,  leaving a trail of talented competitors, including Charlie Woods, in his wake. Russell’s victory marked his fourth straight win against junior competition, and he’s now won four out of his last five amateur starts!

He put on a masterclass at Sage Valley, firing three straight rounds of 2-under 70 to clinch the coveted title at 9-under par. Meanwhile, Charlie Woods battled through the elite 36-player field and tied for 25th at 11-over. But the spotlight belongs to Russell. If he punches his ticket to the Walker Cup at Cypress Point, he’ll shatter the record for youngest competitor by a mere four days.

Making the Walker Cup team won’t be easy, though. Russell will need to hold off some stiff competition from other top amateur golfers. The team selection will be based on the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), and Russell is currently ranked 24th among American players.

With several players ahead of him expected to turn pro this summer, Russell’s chances of making the team are looking stronger by the day. The Walker Cup team will consist of 10 players, and Russell will be vying for a spot alongside other talented golfers, including Auburn’s Jackson Koivun and Virginia’s Ben James, who are considered locks for the team. Texas’ Tommy Morrison and mid-amateur Evan Beach also have a close chance of making it. The last high-schooler to represent the Americans in a Walker Cup was Akshay Bhatia in 2019, so Russell will be looking to follow in some impressive footsteps.

Not only that, he’s is also gearing up for the next Korn Ferry Tournament, where he’ll join forces with fellow teen sensation Blades Brown. What’s that going to be like?

Miles Russell and Blades Brown set to tee off at LECOM Suncoast Classic

Salty air golfing on summer days. West Florida’s Korn Ferry Tour is soon to salty air host the 2025 LECOM Suncoast Classic and teen powerhouse Miles Russell, is returning to the tournament on a sponsor exemption, after his historic top-25 finish on the Korn Ferry Tour (PGA Tour). Breaking a record made in the early 80’s! But, is he the only record-breaker? Blades Brown, at the same age as Miles right now, broke Bobby Jones’ 103-year-old record, swinging an 8-under 64 to claim U.S. Amateur medalist honors. Now, 17, he’s also playing on a sponsor exemption. These two young guns represent the last two AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year winners, with Russell winning in 2023 and Brown taking it in 2024.

Russell and Brown are no strangers to the spotlight, with impressive resumes that belie their tender ages. Russell currently holds the No. 1 spot in the Rolex AJGA Rankings and has been racking up wins, including the South Beach International Amateur in December. Brown, on the other hand, turned pro in December and has already made three TOUR starts, finishing T34 at the Mexico Open at VidantaWorld. With their talent, passion, and fearlessness, the LECOM Suncoast Classic is just the beginning!

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