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A year ago, ahead of the Northeast Amateur in his home state of Rhode Island, former PGA Tour player and current broadcaster Brad Faxon heard about Miles Russell.
“They play it at one of the courses (Wannamoisett Country Club in East Providence) I played as a kid and some buddies who were out there watching were talking about Miles,” Faxon told the Jacksonville Florida Times-Union earlier this week. “I had never heard of him, but they said he went 30-some holes without a bogey and they were raving about him and how well he played and talked in particular about his short game.”
A year later, at last week’s U.S. Open, Faxon continued to be impressed and intrigued by the 17-year old Russell. Russell was one of 20 amateurs to play in the season’s third professional major and one of four to make the cut, finishing tied for 39th at 7 over.
It was another star turn for Russell.
Russell outplayed his playing partners Padraig Harrington and Cameron Smith in the first two rounds to make the weekend at Shinnecock Hills and shot an even-par 70 in the final round.
“Padraig’s effusive praise and Miles’ demeanor, that said a lot for me,” said Faxon, who worked in the NBC booth at the U.S. Open.
Russell was tied for 11th when he made the turn Saturday at the 2026 Northeast Amateur, where he was runner-up last year.
“I know Florida State is pretty good to get him,” Faxon said. “For anybody his age to even qualify for the U.S. Open, never mind competing in the U.S. Open, is impressive. I think what happens with these young players, they aren’t intimidated at major events like the U.S. Open. Everybody that watches Miles play (sees) his short game is incredible and his maturity is a separator.”
What most impressed Faxon? Russell’s ability to get out of trouble.
“How do you teach that?” Faxon said. “It’s impossible. That’s innate.”
After the U.S. Open, Russell moved up two spots to fifth in World Amateur Golf Ranking.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Brad Faxon praises 17-year-old amateur star Miles Russell after U.S. Open performance
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“They play it at one of the courses (Wannamoisett Country Club in East Providence) I played as a kid and some buddies who were out there watching were talking about Miles,” Faxon told the Jacksonville Florida Times-Union earlier this week. “I had never heard of him, but they said he went 30-some holes without a bogey and they were raving about him and how well he played and talked in particular about his short game.”
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A year later, at last week’s U.S. Open, Faxon continued to be impressed and intrigued by the 17-year old Russell. Russell was one of 20 amateurs to play in the season’s third professional major and one of four to make the cut, finishing tied for 39th at 7 over.
It was another star turn for Russell.
Russell outplayed his playing partners Padraig Harrington and Cameron Smith in the first two rounds to make the weekend at Shinnecock Hills and shot an even-par 70 in the final round.
“Padraig’s effusive praise and Miles’ demeanor, that said a lot for me,” said Faxon, who worked in the NBC booth at the U.S. Open.
Russell was tied for 11th when he made the turn Saturday at the 2026 Northeast Amateur, where he was runner-up last year.
“I know Florida State is pretty good to get him,” Faxon said. “For anybody his age to even qualify for the U.S. Open, never mind competing in the U.S. Open, is impressive. I think what happens with these young players, they aren’t intimidated at major events like the U.S. Open. Everybody that watches Miles play (sees) his short game is incredible and his maturity is a separator.”
What most impressed Faxon? Russell’s ability to get out of trouble.
“How do you teach that?” Faxon said. “It’s impossible. That’s innate.”
After the U.S. Open, Russell moved up two spots to fifth in World Amateur Golf Ranking.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Brad Faxon praises 17-year-old amateur star Miles Russell after U.S. Open performance
Continue reading...
