(Jacksonville Beach, FL) - Miles Russell, a 15-year old golfer from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, has been awarded a sponsor's exemption to make his debut on the PGA Tour at the upcoming Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit later this month.

Russell has already made history on the Korn Ferry Tour, the developmental tour for the PGA Tour, becoming the youngest player ever to make the cut at 15 years old at the LECOM Suncoast Classic in April. He finished in a tie for 20th place, making him the youngest player to finish in the top 25 of a Korn Ferry or PGA Tour event since at least 1983.

Based on this impressive accomplishment, Russell was one of four players selected to receive a sponsor's exemption to play in the Rocket Mortgage Classic on June 27-30 at Detroit Golf Club. The tournament is known for giving opportunities to up-and-coming young talents, with past champions including Nate Lashley in 2019 who had only just earned his PGA Tour card that season.

"The Rocket Mortgage Classic is known as a tournament where 'future stars start,' and we're thrilled to have Miles make his PGA Tour debut here and add to that legacy," said Rocket Mortgage Classic director Jason Langwell. "He has proved with his many accomplishments at such a young age that he belongs, and we are excited to see Miles compete alongside the world's best golfers here at Detroit Golf Club."

Russell is currently a freshman in high school while taking online classes. He won the Junior PGA Championship by 7 shots last year and also became the youngest ever winner of the Junior Players Championship. Russell was named the American Junior Golf Association Player of the Year last year at an even younger age than Tiger Woods was when he won the award.

The 15-year old says he's thankful for the opportunity and looks forward to testing his game against the professionals. After making his PGA Tour debut, Russell is then scheduled to play in the U.S. Amateur at Oakland Hills Country Club in Detroit in July.

"I am thankful to Rocket Mortgage for giving me the opportunity to make my PGA Tour debut," Russell said. "Ever since I first started playing golf, my dream has been to compete on the PGA Tour and test my game against the best players, and I'm looking forward to making the most of the experience later this month."

Get used to watching this swing.

15-year-old Miles Russell’s T-20 finish on the Korn Ferry Tour last week earned him a spot in this week’s Veritex Bank Championship.

Let’s keep it going, Miles! #BeyondDriven #TeamTaylorMade pic.twitter.com/K8V3UKOHTp

— TaylorMade Golf (@TaylorMadeGolf) April 23, 2024

Read more: MacIntyre Triumphs at Canadian Open with Dad as Caddie

Who are some other young golfers who made a big impact early in their careers?

Tiger Woods - Turned pro at age 20 in 1996 and went on to win his first major title (Masters) that same year, becoming the youngest winner of the Masters. Established himself as one of the greatest ever in his early career.

Jordan Spieth - At age 21 in 2015, became the youngest American to complete the career Grand Slam by winning the Masters and U.S. Open in the same year. Rose to #1 in the world rankings in his early 20s.

Rory McIlroy - Won his first PGA Tour event at age 19 and reached #1 in the world by age 22 after winning multiple majors in his early 20s, including career Grand Slam by age 25.

Matthew Wolff - Turned pro at age 20 in 2019 and won his first PGA Tour event that same year. Finished runner up at the U.S. Open in only his third major as a pro.

Lexi Thompson - At age 16 in 2007, became the youngest player to qualify for the U.S. Women's Open. Won her first LPGA event at 17 and rose to #3 in the world in her early 20s.

Lydia Ko - Became the youngest ever #1 in the world golf rankings at age 17 in 2015 after winning multiple LPGA titles as a teenager. Earned her first major win at age 18.

Guan Tianlang - Made history in 2013 becoming the youngest ever to make the cut at a major as a 14-year old amateur at the Masters.

References: https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/40269473/miles-russell-15-make-pga-tour-debut-rocket-mortgage

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