Miles Russell’s – At 17, Miles Russell is set for his first U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills—and his answer about how little he remembers from past majors instantly landed with audiences. Russell qualified through a final-stage three-man playoff, carried by Charlie Woods during th
When Miles Russell walked into his Wednesday press conference, it wasn’t just a young golfer stepping into the spotlight—it was the golf world realizing, in real time, how much younger it has become.
Russell, 17, is the youngest player in the 2026 U.S. Open field. and his first start in a major championship is at Shinnecock Hills. where the tournament was last held in 2018. That context set the tone for what came next: when asked if he remembered watching the 2018 U.S. Open, Russell didn’t try to sound polished or pretend his memory went further back than it does.
“Maybe bits and pieces, but that’s probably more from seeing highlights from it. I don’t know. I don’t really remember watching any U.S. Opens when I was that little,” Russell said. Then he added. “I think my first kind of golf memory from watching it was maybe Spieth in 2015 at the Masters. I think really remembering it was Tiger in 2019.”.
It’s a line that lands differently depending on who’s listening. For Russell, it’s a straightforward reflection of his timeline. For everyone else. it’s a gut-check: his earliest “real memory” of major golf isn’t tied to the U.S. Open at all. And when he referenced Tiger in 2019. he was referring to Tiger Woods winning the 2019 Masters—an important detail. because the distinction matters.
The larger point—one that doesn’t need to be spelled out—sits inside the gap between the era Russell remembers and the era so many longtime fans grew up on. Imagine treating “Tiger in 2019” as a vivid memory rather than a distant headline. That’s the age difference Russell brings into the biggest week of golf.
Russell’s climb to the U.S. Open has already been shaped by pressure, and it hasn’t been slow. He’s the No. 1 junior player in the world, and he’s heading to Florida State after the U.S. Open.
He earned his spot this week by advancing in the final stage of qualifying in a three-man playoff for two spots in the field. During that qualifier, he had Charlie Woods—Tiger Woods’ son—on the bag as his caddie. Both Russell and Charlie Woods have committed to play college golf at Florida State.
Russell’s ability to compete against grown fields isn’t new to the sport either. In 2024, he became the youngest player in Korn Ferry Tour history to make the cut in a tournament, finishing T-20.
By the time Thursday’s opening round arrives at Shinnecock Hills. Russell won’t just be the youngest player in the field. He’ll also carry with him the kind of quote that makes older memories feel farther away than anyone expected—because for a 17-year-old. some chapters of major championship golf simply haven’t had time to stick.
Miles Russell 2026 U.S. Open Shinnecock Hills Florida State Charlie Woods Tiger Woods Korn Ferry Tour junior golf youngest player
17 and already at the U.S. Open?? wild
So he doesn’t remember watching the 2018 US Open and people are calling that “feels old”?? I mean yeah I’m old too but come on lol. Also aren’t they at the same place Shinnecock??
I don’t get it. If he remembers Tiger in 2019 doesn’t that mean he watched the U.S. Open 2019? Like Tiger was still doing stuff right? Maybe I’m mixing up years but either way I feel like the article’s making it sound deeper than it is.
This is exactly why I’m getting old, kids are like “I don’t remember” and it’s the U.S. Open. Shinnecock Hills in 2018 too… I remember that one, and now he’s 17 and qualified in a playoff with Charlie Woods?? Somehow that just makes it sadder? Like the sport skipped a whole chunk of time. Anyway hope he doesn’t get crushed out there.