The world of golf continues to evolve! Young players are now making a name for themselves in the sport; one such player is 15-year-old Miles Russell. The young golfer left no opportunity for fans to not be impressed by him. As we are talking about the next-generation golfer, his name gets listed among the top contenders who made their PGA Tour debut at such a young age.
The 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic became the host for his personal best achievement, thanks to his sponsor exemption. He also got called the ‘Next Tiger Woods’, with his 2-over 74 at the RBC. Well, his golf game is not the only impressive thing about him; fans wonder where this young prodigy goes to school.
Miles Russell, the home-schooled young golfer
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Miles Russell doesn’t attend a traditional school; the prodigy’s demanding golf schedule necessitated a flexible approach to his education. He dictates his school day by the weather and his golf commitments. If the morning is pleasant, he heads straight to the golf course. When asked what he does when it’s raining outside, the 15-year-old said, “I just hope it doesn’t rain.” But when it does, Bescansa, his coach stated, uses it as an opportunity to test his rain gloves to see how his swing holds up in the wet weather.
This dedication and flexibility have enabled him to focus intensively on his golf career without compromising his education. Russell’s school records are as impressive as his golfing achievements. Despite his non-traditional educational path, he consistently excelled in academics. Homeschooling allows a personalized learning experience, which helps him maintain high grades while also managing his intense training schedule.
Subsequently, Joe Russell, his father, realized Russell Jr was serious about golf when he noticed his 3-year-old son preferred watching the Golf Channel over cartoons. “I would be watching Golf Central, and I started noticing he was right there with me,” Joe said. “I love golf, but I never had to push him into it.”
His early passion for the sport was evident, and by the age of nine, Russell was competing at Augusta National Golf Club. He is the second First Coast resident to qualify for the Drive, Chip, and Putt National Finals. A remarkable success in the boys 7-9 age group. “I like chipping; I try to get it in the hole every time,” Miles Russell said when he was just nine.
What were you doing at 15 years old?
Incoming high school sophomore Miles Russell is chipping in for birdie on the PGA TOUR 🤯 pic.twitter.com/J5IUJighTU
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 28, 2024
Moreover, the combined efforts of the entities behind him have ensured that he received the best possible guidance, enabling him to thrive in his academic and athletic pursuits.
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The Support System Behind the 15 Y/O
Miles Russell’s journey to golfing greatness is not just about his natural talent and hard work but also about the support system that has helped him along the way. His family, coach, and the golfing community have all played significant roles in his success. His father and grandfather have been his biggest supporters, encouraging his passion for golf from a young age.
Noticing his talent early on, they ensured he had the resources and opportunities to develop his skills. Miles Russell was just 6 years old, and it took just one chip for his future coach to believe that this kid was different, he uttered with confidence, “I can work with this”. Bescansa has provided him with much-needed professional guidance, which helped the youngster hone his technique and mental aspect of the game.
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Additionally, his interactions with rookie professional golfers like Raul Pereda and LPGA winner Mel Reid, who seek his advice on their short game. Highlights the respect he commands in the golfing community. This support network has been crucial in his journey, providing the foundation for his remarkable achievements and promising future in golf. “He’s got the nippers,” Pereda said, “the big flop shots. He’s got the high-and-soft shot, the perfect sound out of the bunker shots. The bump-and-runs, the one-hop-stop. I’ve seen it all with him.”
At 15, Miles Russell has achieved what many would want to achieve, be it the youngest player to cut KFT in his debut to his PGA Tour debut, in a 2-month span. For the youngster of his age, he is a gem of a golfer. Although he could not make the cut at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, he earned respect from golf enthusiasts worldwide. Share your thoughts on his remarkable journey so far, in the comments section below.