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Detroit, MI - Fans on social media are expressing disappointment with a reporter who asked 15-year-old Miles Russell a personal question following his PGA Tour debut at the Rocket Mortgage Classic on Friday. Russell, who shot a first round 74 (2-over par) in his first major tournament, was seen by many as handling the pressure of the moment well for his young age.
Miles Russell plays an approach shot on the 14th hole during the first round of the Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club on June 27, 2024, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Raj Mehta/Getty Images)
However, following his round some felt a line was crossed when a reporter inquired about Russell's waist size after he had fallen just short of the weekend cut line.
"You're the only player in the field that, if you click on your profile on the PGA Tour app, height and weight is not listed," Russell was asked. "What is your current height and weight?"
Plus "What's that waist size?"
whoever this guy is shouldn't be allowed to ask post round questions at pga events in the future pic.twitter.com/arwtKVKe1Y
— Jay Cuda (@JayCuda) June 29, 2024
While the young golfer politely answered the question, fans on Twitter argued it was inappropriate to ask such a personal question of a minor in a post-round interview.
“That’s genuinely weird,” tweeted one fan, echoing the sentiment of many others. Another also weighed in, calling the question “bizarre” and saying reporters should avoid unnecessary personal inquiries of young athletes in such high-pressure situations. Russell had bounced back from some early jitters to finish respectably, but narrowly missed advancing to the final two rounds.
This is genuinely weird.
— brady (@brdn_ocnnll) June 29, 2024
What a bizarre set of questions.
— A Mere Citizen (@jazz6stringfan) June 29, 2024
What a strange question
— Battery Acid (@BraedoM417) June 29, 2024
What’s that waist size is so crazy https://t.co/ZzZlEdRpJg
— Steven Charles (@BasedClapp) June 29, 2024
Russell's performance had already drawn praise from PGA professionals for his composure as one of the youngest players ever to tee it up in a Tour event. But the question regarding his size took attention away from his accomplishments and experience gained, according to some observers.
It remains to be seen if Russell will receive a sponsor exemption to more events, but this debut attracted new fans impressed by his talent and maturity at such a young age.
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