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17-year-old Miles Russell looks his age … but appearances can be deceiving. The world’s top-ranked junior golfer is a stick in both build and skill and proved it during his first-ever U.S. Open round on Thursday. Paired with World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Russell—11 years Scheffler's junior—unleashed a monster drive on the par-4 third hole. Scheffler’s salvo traveled an impressive 370 yards, but the kid wasn't intimidated, replying with a 384-yard rocket that threatened to punch a hole in the overcast sky. The floor is yours, kid.
RELATED: 40 interesting facts about the record-tying 20 amateurs competing at Shinnecock Hills
Just a day after the USGA announced plans to delay golf-ball rollback until 2030, this is sure to ruffle a few traditionalist feathers. A 17-year-old bombing it nearly four-hundo at a U.S. Open? SIN, HERESY, WITCHCRAFT! But Scheffler, who hasn’t even sniffed the other side of the hill at 29-years-old, would be the first to admit they’re all starting from a level playing field. In this case, the elasticity of youth (and perhaps a fortuitous gust of wind) made the difference.
At the end of the week, our money is still on Scheffler despite his (relative) struggles this season, but this highlight is proof the kid isn’t overmatched playing against the big dogs, at least not physically. And soon enough, perhaps in a decade or so with a few major titles to his name, Russell will find himself in Scheffler's spikes, being outdriven by some young gun at a U.S. Open. That’s just the circle of life.
MORE GOLF DIGEST U.S. OPEN COVERAGE
U.S. Open 101: Answering all your frequently asked questions
How to watch the 2026 U.S. Open
First and second round tee times at Shinnecock Hills
Power Rankings: Every player in the U.S. Open field, ranked
Video: Every hole at Shinnecock Hills
Why can't the USGA get Shinnecock Hills right? Our interactive guide explains
What’s a ‘good’ shot at Shinnecock? The difference between our editos and tour average
Breaking down Scottie Scheffler’s chances to complete the career Grand Slam
Every chip shot you’ll see at Shinnecock Hills, explained
Continue reading...
RELATED: 40 interesting facts about the record-tying 20 amateurs competing at Shinnecock Hills
Just a day after the USGA announced plans to delay golf-ball rollback until 2030, this is sure to ruffle a few traditionalist feathers. A 17-year-old bombing it nearly four-hundo at a U.S. Open? SIN, HERESY, WITCHCRAFT! But Scheffler, who hasn’t even sniffed the other side of the hill at 29-years-old, would be the first to admit they’re all starting from a level playing field. In this case, the elasticity of youth (and perhaps a fortuitous gust of wind) made the difference.
At the end of the week, our money is still on Scheffler despite his (relative) struggles this season, but this highlight is proof the kid isn’t overmatched playing against the big dogs, at least not physically. And soon enough, perhaps in a decade or so with a few major titles to his name, Russell will find himself in Scheffler's spikes, being outdriven by some young gun at a U.S. Open. That’s just the circle of life.
MORE GOLF DIGEST U.S. OPEN COVERAGE
U.S. Open 101: Answering all your frequently asked questions
How to watch the 2026 U.S. Open
First and second round tee times at Shinnecock Hills
Power Rankings: Every player in the U.S. Open field, ranked
Video: Every hole at Shinnecock Hills
Why can't the USGA get Shinnecock Hills right? Our interactive guide explains
What’s a ‘good’ shot at Shinnecock? The difference between our editos and tour average
Breaking down Scottie Scheffler’s chances to complete the career Grand Slam
Every chip shot you’ll see at Shinnecock Hills, explained
Continue reading...
