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DETROIT – Miles Russell’s pants didn’t fit quite right during the first round of the Rocket Mortgage Classic on Thursday. A recent growth spurt left the 15-year-old, now 5-foot-7, with pants designed for someone shorter. Russell, who weighs 120 pounds and sports a 28-inch waist, showed off his ankles as he strolled around the Detroit Golf Club.
Russell made his PGA Tour debut, scoring a 2-over 74. Born in 2009, he signed autographs for kids and adults while being followed by a PGA Tour Live camera. He teed off for 7,370 yards and played alongside top-ranked players.
The most unusual part? It all seemed surprisingly normal.
This year, two 16-year-olds have already played in PGA Tour events. Last year, 15-year-old Oliver Betschart qualified for the Bermuda Championship, becoming the youngest player in nearly a decade to compete in a PGA Tour event.
Now, it was Russell’s turn. In April, he competed in the Korn Ferry Tour’s LECOM Suncoast Classic, becoming the youngest player to make the cut. He finished T20 in that event, with rounds of 70 and 66.
Rocket Mortgage organizers invited Russell after noticing his performance, hoping to draw attention to their event. Big names are scarce in Detroit, so captivating stories are essential. The field included top amateur players and recent pros.
Russell, who is homeschooled in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, started playing golf at age 2 and broke par by 6. He runs a small business, has an agent, and holds NIL agreements with TaylorMade and Nike.
Russell did not arrive in Detroit as a starstruck kid. Rico Hoey, one of Russell’s playing partners, was surprised by how calm and solid Russell was on the course. Russell shot a 74 in his first round on the PGA Tour.
While some may feel uneasy about young talents turning pro, it continues to happen. Golf is getting younger, and the gap between young players and professionals is shrinking. Russell averaged 292 yards off the tee, ranking tied for 78th in a 156-man field.
Despite his young age, Russell handled the experience with maturity, focusing on his game and learning from the professionals.
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