17-Year-Old Miles Russell Becomes Youngest Competitor at the U.S. Open

During the first round of the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, 17-year-old Miles Russell posted a two-over-par 72, recording 14 pars, three bogeys and one birdie. The score left him four strokes behind the leader, making him the youngest competitor in U.S. Open history.

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Russell earned his spot by winning a playoff at the final qualifying tournament after representing the United States on the first U.S. national junior team. He previously became the youngest player to make a cut on the Korn Ferry Tour and now ranks inside the top ten of the World Amateur Golf Rankings.

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Key figures on the day included three-time major champion Padraig Harrington, who partnered Russell, as well as former major winners Brooks Koepka and Adam Scott, both of whom Russell out-scored. Russell’s former qualifying caddie was Charlie Woods, son of Tiger Woods; the two now share a roster spot on the Florida State University golf team, alongside Cameron Smith.

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Russell, 17, posted a two-over-par 72 (14 pars, three bogeys, one birdie) and sat four strokes behind the leader. He is currently in the top ten of the world amateur rankings and holds the record as the youngest Korn Ferry Tour cut-maker.

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Padraig Harrington praised Russell’s composure, noting his straight ball flight and that two-over-par was the best possible score under windy conditions. Russell gave his round an “A” grade, admitted a few shots could have been better, and said nerves on the first tee are expected and part of preparation.

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• “You watch them play and you’re like, man, this guy plays pretty boring, and at the end of the round, you’re seeing the score and he shoots like 65,” — Miles Russell, 17, U.S. Open competitor

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• “I feel like just, especially with the wind that we had, you just have to try to hit a lot of greens and putt it close because, I mean, putting in the wind is not easy.” — Miles Russell, 17, U.S. Open competitor

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• “Just when I get to go out and play nine holes by myself,” — Miles Russell, 17, U.S. Open competitor

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• “Two-over par was the worst he could have shot.” — Padraig Harrington, three-time major champion

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Russell tees off again on Friday at 1:14 p.m. from the tenth tee, paired with Padraig Harrington and Cameron Smith. He aims to treat the event as “another tournament” and improve on his opening round.

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The sources provide a consistent account of Russell’s score, ranking and comments; no contradictions or missing details were identified.

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