Miles Russell is a 17-year-old left-handed golf phenom from Jacksonville Beach who’s rewriting junior golf history. He became the youngest AJGA Player of the Year at 14 and shattered Tiger Woods’ record. You saw him make headlines after becoming the youngest to make a Korn Ferry Tour cut at 15, finishing T20.
Now he’s a two-time AJGA Player of the Year and a PGA TOUR cut-maker before turning 18. He trains at Atlantic Beach Country Club and will join Florida State University in 2027. With elite iron play, pro-level scoring, and NIL deals topping $1M, experts call him golf’s next superstar.
Who Is Miles Russell? Golf’s 17-Year-Old Phenom Breaking Tiger Woods Records
Miles Russell burst onto the national stage as a left-handed golf prodigy from Jacksonville Beach. You’ve probably seen his name after he shattered a 32-year Tiger Woods record. At just 14, he became the youngest AJGA Player of the Year in history. For example, that award launched him into sponsor exemptions and pro starts before most kids get a driver’s license.
Now 17, the amateur golfer already holds two AJGA Player of the Year titles and made history on the Korn Ferry Tour. He’s verbally committed to Florida State University for 2027. However, his resume reads like a veteran pro. He competes against PGA TOUR fields and still dominates junior golf worldwide.
Miles Russell Biography Profile: 25 Quick Facts
This table outlines his personal details, birth info, and key milestones that define the phenom.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Miles Russell |
| Date of Birth | November 1, 2008 |
| Age | 17 years old |
| Birthplace | Jacksonville Beach, Florida, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Residence | Jacksonville Beach, Florida |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches |
| Weight | 135 lbs |
| Handedness | Left-handed |
| College Commitment | Florida State University, Class of 2027 |
| Status | Amateur |
| Home Club | Atlantic Beach Country Club |
| Coach | Ramon Bescansa |
| Started Golf | Age 2 |
| First Broke Par | Age 6 |
| High School | Providence School, then homeschooled |
| Father | Joe Russell, senior living developer |
| Mother | Kelli Russell, occupational therapist |
| Sibling | Caleb Russell, older brother |
| Grandfather | Ron Hipp, introduced him to golf |
| World Junior Ranking | No. 1, AJGA Polo Golf Rankings |
| WAGR Ranking | Top 20 |
| AJGA Player of Year | 2023, 2025 |
| Korn Ferry Record | Youngest to make cut at 15 years, 5 months, 17 days |
| PGA TOUR Record | Made first cut at 2026 Puerto Rico Open, T50 |
Key Takeaways:
- He broke Tiger Woods’ record as youngest AJGA Player of the Year at age 14.
- He’s the youngest ever to make a Korn Ferry Tour cut.
- He’ll join Florida State University in 2027 alongside Charlie Woods.
How Old Is Miles Russell and Where Is He From? Age, Hometown, Height, Weight
Miles Russell is 17 years old as of 2026. He was born on November 1, 2008, which makes him eligible for PGA TOUR membership on November 1, 2026. He grew up in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and still lives there today. The warm weather allowed him to practice year round at Atlantic Beach Country Club.
Physically, he stands 5 feet 7 inches and weighs 135 lbs. That frame is smaller than the average PGA TOUR pro. Yet he generates over 160 mph ball speed with his driver. He competes with players like Preston Stout and Luke Potter who have more length. Still, his precision makes up for the distance gap right now.
Miles Russell Biography: Family Background, Parents, Coach, Early Life
His family keeps him grounded despite the fame. His father Joe Russell works as a senior living developer and travels to most tournaments. His mother Kelli is an occupational therapist. Together they prioritized balance over hype. His grandfather Ron Hipp first handed him clubs at age two.
He trains under Ramon Bescansa at the Hayt Center at UNF. Ramon caddied for him during his Korn Ferry debut. For example, that partnership helped him shoot a final-round 66 to finish T20. He was homeschooled after Providence School to manage travel. You’ll often see him practicing with fellow juniors like William Sides at AJGA events.
When Did Miles Russell Start Playing Golf and First Break Par?
He picked up golf at age two. His dad and grandfather noticed he swung his brother Caleb’s right-handed clubs left-handed. So they bought him toddler-sized lefty clubs immediately. By age five he practiced daily. Then at six years old he shot even-par 36 for nine holes.
That early start gave him a huge edge. By age nine he won the Junior Honda Classic. At 11 and 12 he won back-to-back U.S. Kids World Championships. His development curve mirrors elite players like Jack Turner, but his pro exposure came faster. However, he stayed in junior golf to stack wins before testing professionals.
Why Does Miles Russell Play Left-Handed? Early Switch Story
He’s naturally left-handed in everything. When he grabbed Caleb’s clubs, he flipped them and swung lefty without thinking. His parents spotted it right away. They bought him a left-handed set instead of forcing a switch. That decision shaped his entire swing path. Today his lefty ball flight gives him unique angles on coastal courses.
What Are Miles Russell’s Biggest Achievements and Records?
The junior golfer owns records that were untouched for decades. He’s a two-time AJGA Player of the Year in 2023 and 2025. Only seven players ever did that, including Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. He’s also the first to win the Junior PLAYERS Championship twice and the Sage Valley Junior Invitational twice.
On pro tours, his milestones stand out. He made the cut at the 2024 LECOM Suncoast Classic at 15 years, 5 months, 17 days old. Then he made his first PGA TOUR cut at the 2026 Puerto Rico Open. He played alongside top amateurs like Frankie Harris and still posted top-20 Korn Ferry finishes.
Is Miles Russell the Youngest to Make a Korn Ferry Tour Cut? 2024 LECOM Record
Yes. At 15 years, 5 months, 17 days, he made the cut at the 2024 LECOM Suncoast Classic. He opened 68-66 and finished T20 at 14-under. That broke the previous age record by nearly a year. He closed with rounds of 70-66 and beat seasoned pros. The performance earned him a spot in the Veritex Bank Championship the next week.
Miles Russell Career Timeline: Year-by-Year Wins from 2018 to 2026
He stacked wins every season since age nine. His timeline shows a clear jump from junior dominance to pro contention. For example, he went from U.S. Kids World titles to AJGA majors in three years. Then he tested himself against pros at 15 and made cuts immediately.
Miles Russell Career Wins and Milestones
This table tracks his year-by-year progression from junior titles to professional tour history.
| Year | Age | Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 9 | Wins Junior Honda Classic |
| 2020 | 11 | U.S. Kids World Champion |
| 2021 | 12 | U.S. Kids World Champion, 2nd title |
| 2023 | 14 | Wins Junior PLAYERS Championship |
| 2023 | 14 | Wins Junior PGA Championship by 7 shots |
| 2023 | 15 | Youngest AJGA Player of Year, breaks Tiger Woods record |
| 2024 | 15 | Youngest to make Korn Ferry Tour cut, T20 LECOM Suncoast |
| 2024 | 15 | PGA TOUR debut: Rocket Mortgage Classic |
| 2025 | 16 | 2x AJGA Player of Year, 2x Junior PLAYERS Champ |
| 2025 | 16 | Wins Rolex Tournament of Champions, Elite Invitational |
| 2025 | 16 | Verbal commit to Florida State University |
| 2026 | 17 | First PGA TOUR cut: T50 Puerto Rico Open |
| 2026 | 17 | T15 at Club Car Championship, earns KFT exemption |
| 2026 | 17 | 2x Junior Invitational at Sage Valley winner |
| 2026 | 17 | Selected to lead U.S. Junior Ryder Cup team |
| 2027 | 18 | Turns 18, eligible for PGA TOUR, FSU enrollment |
Key Takeaways:
- He’s the only player to win Junior PLAYERS and Sage Valley twice each.
- He made a PGA TOUR cut before turning 18, which few amateurs ever do.
- His 2026 T15 on Korn Ferry earned him a direct start via top-25 rule.
What Is Miles Russell’s Net Worth in 2026? NIL Deals and Sponsors Explained
His estimated net worth sits around $1 million in 2026, driven entirely by NIL deals. Because he’s an amateur, he forfeits all pro prize money to keep NCAA eligibility. For example, he gave up checks at the LECOM Suncoast and Puerto Rico Open. But his brand value exploded after those cuts.
He’s represented by Players Group Management with Charlie Woods. His sponsors include Nike, TaylorMade, Transcend Capital, and Full Swing. Florida high school rules allow NIL, so he signed deals at 15. You won’t see him paired with Christiaan Maas or Josiah Gilbert in college yet, but his valuation ranks No. 2 among HS boy golfers.
Miles Russell Net Worth 2026 & NIL Deals Breakdown
This table details his valuation, sponsors, and why prize money remains $0 as an amateur.
| Category | Detail | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Total Estimated Net Worth | As of 2026, driven by NIL | ~$1,000,000 |
| Golf NIL Valuation | No. 2 HS boy golfer in U.S. | $1,000,000 |
| Agency | Players Group Management, Allen Hobbs | Co-reps with Charlie Woods |
| Apparel Sponsor | Nike | Not disclosed |
| Equipment Sponsor | TaylorMade Golf | Multi-year deal |
| Financial Sponsor | Transcend Capital Advisors | Signed at age 15 |
| Tech Sponsor | Full Swing Golf | Brand ambassadorship |
| Club Sponsor | Liberty National Golf Club | Premium endorsement |
| Training Sponsor | Golf & Body | Commercial deal |
| Prize Money Earned | Forfeited as amateur | $0 |
Key Takeaways:
- His NIL value jumped from $546K to $1M after 2025 pro starts.
- He shares an agent with Charlie Woods for a combined $4M valuation.
- All Korn Ferry and PGA TOUR earnings are forfeited to protect Florida State University eligibility.
Top juniors like Blades Brown, Jackson Herrington, and Brandon Holtz are also navigating NIL, but Russell’s pro cuts give him unmatched leverage.
Miles Russell WITB 2026: Full TaylorMade Bag, Specs, and Stock Yardages
He plays a full TaylorMade Golf setup because he signed a multi-year equipment deal as a teenager. His bag mixes P770 and P7MC irons for launch and control. You’ll notice he favors a Spider mallet putter now for extra forgiveness on fast greens.
His driver distance averages 294.3 yards with a 160+ mph ball speed at age 17. For example, he carries his Qi10 LS driver 280 yards stock and his 7-iron 184 yards. Coaches say the P770 5-iron switch helps him hold firm pro greens better than before.
Miles Russell WITB (TaylorMade Setup)
This table shows his WITB setup in detail.
| Club Category | Model | Specs / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | TaylorMade Qi10 LS | 9.0°–10.5° |
| 3-Wood | TaylorMade Qi10 Tour | 15° |
| 5-Wood | TaylorMade Qi10 | 18° |
| 4-Iron | TaylorMade P770 | Utility long iron |
| 5–9 Irons | TaylorMade P7MC | Players cavity-back set |
| Wedges (46°, 50°) | TaylorMade MG4 SB | Scoring wedges |
| Wedges (56°, 60°) | TaylorMade MG4 LB | Short game / bunker |
| Putter | TaylorMade TP Soto | Tour-style blade |
| Ball | TaylorMade TP5x | High-speed tour ball |
Miles Russell PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour Stats: Cuts Made, Best Finish, Scoring Average
He has made 3 of 5 cuts on the Korn Ferry Tour as an amateur. His best finish came at the 2026 Club Car Championship where he shot 67-70-74-67 to tie for 15th. That result earned him a direct exemption into the next event.
His scoring average sits at 70.75 across 16 Korn Ferry rounds. He hits 65.28% of greens in regulation and scrambles at 68% against pros. Those numbers prove his game already translates to elite levels despite being 17.
Has Miles Russell Made a PGA Tour Cut Yet? 2026 Puerto Rico Open Result
Yes, he made his first PGA Tour cut at the 2026 Puerto Rico Open. He posted 71-71-71-70 to finish T50 at 5-under par. It marked a huge milestone before his 18th birthday.
What Are Miles Russell’s Strengths and Weaknesses? Pro-Level Scouting Report
He owns elite iron accuracy and controls spin like a veteran. His short game shines with a 68% scrambling rate on tough setups. You can see his mental toughness in final rounds where he’s carded 66 and 67 to climb leaderboards.
However, his driving distance trails the PGA Tour average by about 6 yards. At 5’7” and 135 lbs, he still needs muscle to handle 72-hole pro grinds. Also, his 64.29% fairway accuracy gets punished in thick tour rough.
Miles Russell vs Tiger Woods at Age 15: Who Was Better? Stats Comparison
Both players dominated junior golf, yet he broke Tiger Woods record as youngest AJGA Player of Year in 2023. Tiger didn’t make a Korn Ferry start at 15 while Russell already had a T20.
Still, you can’t ignore era differences in equipment and tour access. Tiger won the Junior PGA at 15, and Russell matched that at 14 with a 7-shot win. Both were World No. 1 juniors and showed pro-ready scoring early.
Miles Russell vs Tiger Woods (Junior Era Comparison)
This table shows his comparison with Tiger Woods in junior era.
| Category | Miles Russell | Tiger Woods |
|---|---|---|
| AJGA Player of the Year | Youngest ever winner (2023), also won 2025 | Won 3× AJGA POY (1991–1993 era dominance) |
| Age at Breakout | 14–15 years old | 15–16 years old |
| Junior PGA Championship | Won at 14 (dominant 7-shot victory) | Won at 15 (1991) |
| Korn Ferry / Pro Start | Made cut at 15 (T20 finish, 2024 LECOM) | Never played Korn Ferry (did not exist in modern form then) |
| PGA Tour Exposure | Multiple sponsor exemptions as a teen | Early PGA Tour starts as amateur, no modern exemption system |
| World Junior Ranking | No. 1 junior (multiple periods) | No. 1 junior of his era |
| Scoring at Elite Level | 60s–low 70s in pro fields as a teen | Dominated junior fields; early pro scoring records later in college |
| Equipment Era | Modern distance + launch tech (TP5x, Qi10 driver) | 1990s equipment (steel shafts, wound balls initially) |
| Path to Pro Golf | Early Korn Ferry + PGA Tour exemptions | Direct amateur → college → PGA Tour transition |
| Key Similarity | Both dominated juniors + were “can’t-miss” prospects | Same |
Where Is Miles Russell Going to College? Florida State Commitment and NCAA Timeline
Miles Russell verbally committed to Florida State University for the Class of 2027. He’ll enroll in Fall 2027 and can’t sign his National Letter of Intent until November 2026. The Seminoles expect him to headline a super class with Charlie Woods.
NCAA rules bar him from accepting prize money, so he keeps amateur status. However, his NIL deals with Nike and TaylorMade already push his valuation near $1M. PGA Tour University could fast-track him after college.
Is Miles Russell Dating Someone? Relationship Status and Notable Friendships
There’s no public info showing he is dating anyone right now. He keeps his social media focused on golf, training, and sponsors. At 17, his schedule revolves around tournaments and school.
You’ll often see him with top junior Asterisk Talley though. They were Junior Ryder Cup teammates and he caddied for her at the 2026 Augusta National Women’s Amateur. He also went viral with tennis star Anna Frey during a PGA Tour rain delay.
What Is Miles Russell’s Path to the PGA Tour? Age Rules, Q-School, PGA Tour University
He can’t join the PGA Tour full-time until he turns 18 on November 1, 2026. Until then, he uses sponsor exemptions and Monday qualifiers to gain reps. His T15 on the Korn Ferry Tour already earned him extra starts without exemptions.
After 18, he has three routes: win enough non-member FedEx Cup points, go through Q-School, or dominate at Florida State and earn a PGA Tour University card. Experts say his game could contend for tour status before age 20.
Conclusion
Miles Russell isn’t just another junior standout. He’s already proven he belongs with pros while still in high school. You’ve watched him break Tiger Woods records, make Korn Ferry Tour history at 15, and cash a PGA TOUR cut before turning 18. For example, his T15 against seasoned pros shows maturity beyond his age.
Now he’s headed to Florida State University with a $1M NIL valuation and a game built for Sundays. However, the real test starts when he turns pro in 2026. If his iron precision and mental toughness keep trending up, golf fans might see the next generational star sooner than anyone expects.
FAQs
Is Miles Russell a pro golfer?
No, he competes as an amateur. He forfeits all prize money to keep NCAA eligibility for college golf.
Where is Miles Russell going to college?
He verbally committed to play for Florida State University. He plans to enroll in Fall 2027 as part of the Class of 2027.
How old is Miles Russell?
He is 17 years old. He was born on November 1, 2008, and becomes eligible for full PGA Tour membership in November 2026.
What is Miles Russell’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is around $1M in 2026. It comes from NIL deals with Nike, TaylorMade, and others since he can’t accept pro winnings.
Did Miles Russell break Tiger Woods’ record?
Yes, he did. He became the youngest AJGA Player of the Year at 14, breaking a 32-year record previously held by the 15-time major winner.
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Ahmed Hassan is an AI-powered SEO specialist and golf content writer with 2 years of experience. At CelebDecoded.com, he writes about emerging golfers, player profiles, rankings, NIL deals, and more.