Golf fans quip “Charlie Woods who?” after Russell’s Korn Ferry Tour debut

via Imago

While Charlie Woods will be eager to replicate his father’s success on the greens, another name is already etching his name in golf history. In 2023, 15-year-old Miles Russell, surpassed Tiger Woods to become the youngest golfer to win the American Junior Golf Association Boys Player of the Year. And now his debut performance at the Korn Ferry Tour is already garnering attention while leading to scrutinizing of Charlie Woods’ recent efforts by the fans.

Russell, a lefty, is the world’s top-ranked junior golfer from the US and once again showcased that the golfing world should consider him as one of the bright prospects of the game.

Miles Russell writes history

Miles Russell is currently participating in the LECOM Suncoast Classic of the Korn Ferry Tour. It is his debut in a PGA Tour sanction event on a sponsor exemption a few hours away from his hometown at the Lakewood National Golf Club. When Russell was asked about his current aim and what he expected out of the game, Miles Russell said, “I don’t know what to expect, but I’d love to make the cut and who knows, maybe have a good weekend and see where it puts me.”

Miles Russell, from the get-go, put forth a dominating performance on the greens, as he started on the back nine, was able to card a score of 31 and became among the early leaders. Russell went on to a total of 5 birdies, and he wrapped up the first round with a 3-under 68, tying for the 45th position.

Taking to his outstanding performances on the greens, Dan Rapaport, shared a post to appreciate the young star. Sharing the stats of his first round from the LECOM Suncoast Classic and another picture of him holding the AJGA’s trophy in his hands and highlighted his previous victory where Russell won the Junior PLAYERS last year at the age of 14, with an exceptional score of 9-under 207. Rapaport wrote, “World No. 1 junior Miles Russell is 15 years old. He’s also -4 through 9 in his Korn Ferry Tour debut. Won the junior Players last year at 14.”

Russell’s performance has led fans to question the hype behind Charlie Woods. Fans wonder whether Tiger Woods’s son is actually going to be the next big thing in golf, or has Russell already surpassed him. An immediate comparison between the two young golfers took over the internet.

Golf fans quip “Charlie Woods who?” after Russell’s Korn Ferry Tour debut

After coming across Dan Rapaport’s recent post, the entire golf community came together to praise Miles Russell while also taking sly digs at Charlie Woods. Hinting at Charlie Woods’ performances off-late at the greens where Russell has been tasting success, one of them wrote, “Wya Charlie.”

Last year, Russell won the Junior PGA Championship (by seven strokes), and Junior PLAYERS Championship, en route to becoming the event’s youngest winner, and represented the United States at the Junior Ryder Cup.

A follower on X, quipped “Charlie Woods who???” after Miles’ performance at the LECOM Suncoast Classic saw him surpass competitors with ease. Rusell grabbed attention when he nearly qualified for the PGA TOUR’s Puerto Rico Open last month – falling in a playoff for the final spot.

There was much hype around Charlie Woods as he teed it up in a pre-qualifier for the PGA Tour’s 2024 Cognizant Classic. However, he failed to advance ending the match with a 16-over 86. He not only scored a series of bogeys but also carded a double bogey on the 5th hole, which brought his downfall. On the other hand, Miles Russell scored 2-under 70 at the same event. Drawing a subtle comparison between the two young fans, a user wondered, “I thought Charlie was the real deal though? I have been lied to”.

Russell was also put on the list of golfers who are left-handed, which includes 54-time PGA Tour winner Phil Mickelson—the beloved Lefty of the golf world—and OWGR No. 1 golfer Scotties Scheffler. Russell managed to earn another huge compliment from a fan who said, “Representing the lefties.”

Another fan was left in awe of Russell and his play and wrote, “Leftie, and a lovely swing.” As Miles Russell continues to rank up the ranks, the onus will be on Charlie Woods to turn the fan sentiment in his favor down the line.