Despite Starkly Different Realities, Charlie Woods Gets Rival Miles Russell’s 6-Word Stamp of Approval

The Future of Golf: Charlie Woods and Miles Russell’s Rising Rivalry

Two teenagers, two dreams, and one sport—Golf! Charlie Woods, a young boy with a legacy to uphold, and Miles Russell, working to create his own. Both are striving to carve their place in the world of golf, though they stand at different points in their budding careers. One is fighting to break into the PGA Tour, while the other has already left his mark.

Miles Russell: The Record-Breaking Prodigy

Miles Russell has had an extraordinary few months, shattering records along the way. The 15-year-old won the 2023 American Junior Golf Association Boys Player of the Year, surpassing Tiger Woods to become the youngest golfer to do so. In April, Russell competed in the LECOM Suncoast Classic—his first PGA Tour-sanctioned event—becoming the youngest player to make the cut on the Korn Ferry Tour, finishing T20 with an overall score of 14-under.

Charlie Woods: The Legacy and the Struggle

Charlie Woods, on the other hand, has faced his share of challenges, failing to qualify for both the Cognizant Classic and the US Open. Despite these setbacks, Woods has shown immense potential, sparking curiosity within the golf community about a possible new iconic rivalry akin to Woods vs. Mickelson. This speculation intensified after his 2-under 70 round at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.

The Meeting of Future Giants

During a post-round interview at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, a reporter asked Miles Russell about his familiarity with Charlie Woods. Russell, handling media duties like a seasoned pro, said, “He was actually at my charity event, the Florida Sunshine Cup. I played with him there. I haven’t played with him in a while, and it’ll be good to see him.”

The Florida Sunshine Cup, hosted by Russell and Graden Lomax, supports the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and the AJGA’s Ace Grant Program. It has been over four months since they played together, but from July 22 to 27, they’ll face off at the US Junior Amateur in Oakland Hills, Michigan.

The Rocket Mortgage Classic: A Historic Moment

Russell’s PGA Tour debut at the Rocket Mortgage Classic at the Detroit Golf Club drew significant attention. The club had to grant him special permission to enter the locker room, as players under 16 are usually not allowed. Despite this, Russell’s early success has led many to question Woods’ abilities.

This scrutiny began during Russell’s LECOM Suncoast Classic appearance and was magnified by his PGA Tour debut. Russell’s accolades include winning the Junior PGA Championship and Junior PLAYERS Championship, becoming the youngest winner of the event, and representing the US at the Junior Ryder Cup.

The Road Ahead: US Junior Amateur Showdown

Despite being at different stages in their careers, both Woods and Russell are now focused on the US Junior Amateur. When asked about the differences between the Oakland Hills Greens and the Detroit Greens, Russell commented, “I think it might be a little firmer, a little faster, rough might be a little thicker, more of a championship-style course. The key’s going to be keeping it in the fairway.”

 

Russell’s impressive resume, including his participation in the Rocket Mortgage Classic through a special sponsorship exemption, underscores his potential. As the golf world watches, the question remains: How will the 15-year-old fare in the Motor City?