Miles Russell has made a cut in a pro golf event. What are his options for the future?
The biggest news in golf this week is what 15-year-old Jacksonville Beach native Miles Russell is doing at the Korn Ferry Tour’s LECOM Suncoast Open at Lakewood National near Bradenton.
Russell became the youngest player to ever make the cut in a Korn Ferry Tour event (and the second-youngest to make the cut in a PGA Tour-sanctioned event) when he shot 68-66—134 at the Commander Course to enter the weekend in a tie for 26th. Russell made two eagles on the front nine of his second round and finished 8-under, six shots behind leader Brandon Crick.
His performance raises a number of questions. Here are some answers, courtesy of the PGA Tour:
Can Miles Russell turn professional?
There is no age restriction on someone declaring himself a professional golfer. Once he accepts prize money, that makes it official. However, Russell can’t accept the money for his finish this week at the Korn Ferry event because he entered the tournament as an amateur.
Can Miles Russell become a PGA Tour member?
Not until he's 18 years old. Those under that age can play in PGA Tour events and if they're professionals, they can accept the prize money. But he cannot participate in the FedEx Cup points race until then.
What are his options for playing PGA Tour events under the age of 18?
Russell can use Monday qualifiers and sponsor invitations, and if he wins a tournament, will have a two-year exemption. But according to the Tour, he will be capped at 12 starts per year until he's 18.
Can Miles Russell play in the major championships?
He can play in three of them by qualifying under various amateur standards. For example, being a finalist in the U.S. Amateur earns a spot in the Masters and U.S. Open, but if Russell remains an amateur. Winning the U.S. Amateur gets a ticket to the Masters, U.S. Open and British Open, but again, he will have to stay an amateur.
Russell can also qualify for the U.S. Open through local and sectional qualifiers, with no age limit. There is a similar regional qualifying system for the British Open.
Russell will have to be a professional to play in the PGA Championship.
Winning any of the majors also earns a five-year exemption in the other three majors.
Can Miles Russell play in The Players Championship?
Yes, if he wins a PGA Tour event, a major or is among the top 50 on the World Rankings. He would be a non-member until he's 18 and can't use the FedEx Cup points. If he wants to stay an amateur, he can't collect the money.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: What are the options for Miles Russell, as an amateur or potential pro?
