At just 15 years old, Miles Russell made his much-anticipated PGA Tour debut on Thursday at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, posting a two-over-par 74. The young golfer's performance has already sparked comparisons to Tiger Woods, who made his own debut at a similar age.
Russell, currently the top junior player in the world, showcased his talent by maintaining an even par through his first 14 holes. However, a mishap on the par-4 sixth hole, his 15th of the day, led to a double-bogey. He managed to recover with a birdie on the 16th hole but ended his round with a three-putt bogey. Despite these setbacks, Russell remains tied for 128th in a field of 156, with Akshay Bhatia leading the tournament after shooting an eight-under 64.
Reflecting on his first PGA Tour round, Russell said, "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. So looking forward to tomorrow and hopefully tomorrow's going to be better."
The nerves were evident but manageable for the young golfer, particularly on his first tee shot. "I was a little nervous [on the first tee], I'd probably give it like a 7. That was probably my best drive of the day. Should have been nervous all day. It was a good day, settled in nicely," Russell remarked.
PGA Tour player Raul Pereda, who has taken a keen interest in Russell’s career, did not shy away from making lofty comparisons.
"We’re looking at a young Tiger Woods right here," Pereda said.
Tiger Woods, who was 16 when he debuted at the Nissan Los Angeles Open in 1992, shot rounds of 72 and 75, missing the cut by six strokes. Reflecting on that experience, Woods famously stated, “I learned that I’m not that good.”
Russell’s burgeoning career has already seen significant milestones. In April, he became the youngest player to make a cut on the Korn Ferry Tour, tying for 20th at the LECOM Suncoast Classic.
Next month, Russell will compete in the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship at Oakland Hills, sharing the field with Charlie Woods, Tiger Woods’ son, also 15. Tiger Woods was the same age when he won the first of his three consecutive Junior Amateur titles.
The comparisons between Russell and Woods will likely persist as the young golfer’s career progresses. His debut performance on Thursday, despite some ups and downs, provided a glimpse of his immense potential. For Miles Russell, this is just the beginning of what could be an extraordinary journey in golf.
