TAMPA, Fla. – Team Florida member, Miles Russell made history over the weekend at the Korn Ferry Tour’s LECOM Suncoast Classic. At fifteen years old, Russell became the youngest player to ever make a cut in a Korn Ferry Tour event. The Jacksonville native posted rounds of 68-66 to finish well within the cutline and advance to the weekend rounds. In a post round interview Russell stated, “I’m kind of speechless. The goal was to make the cut and we made it and we will see how the weekend goes. The big goal would be top-25 and to get into next week. That would be cool and would be my top goal.”
Russell achieved his goal, finishing tied-for-twentieth after posting scores of 70-66 on the weekend for a tournament total of fourteen-under par. His first professional event was most certainly a successful and memorable one. In addition, in March the USGA announced the first ever U.S. National Junior Team, and Russell earned a spot on the team which consists of eighteen juniors across the country. Prior to the national stage that Russell is making currently making waves on, he won fourteen Florida Junior Tour events.
However, even at such a young age, there is more to Russell than a remarkable talent for golf. The youngster who has made quite the impact on the golf course, has also used the great game of golf to make an impact off the golf course.
In 2019, Russell along with Graden Lomax, and Alexander Kaufman joined together to form the Sunshine Cup, as part of the State Cup Series sponsored by the American Junior Golf
Association (AJGA). The inaugural Sunshine Cup was contested between 32 players at Streamsong Resort, all raising money to support the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and the Liberty National Ace Grant.
The three players recruited a total of 28 players to commit to raising $10,000 each toward a goal of $30,000 for the inaugural event. Now almost four years later, the Sunshine Cup have raised close to $300,000.
“I don’t think we ever expected it to be as big as it is now or raise as much money as we have.” Russell said.
For the junior golfers that tee it up in the Sunshine Cup, it is not about who makes the most birdies, it is about bringing together young golfers all supporting a great cause. Every October, 32 juniors are split into two teams to compete in a Ryder Cup style event for the Sunshine Cup. They compete in four ball, scramble, alternate shot, and singles matches.
Lomax’s father is the group’s “statistician” and is responsible for splitting the juniors into the two 16-player teams, named Team Bears and Team Aces in reference to the two charities they are supporting.
“It’s a little step back from competitive golf,” says Russell. “You’re able to see and spend time with people you usually only see at tournaments.”
With competitive junior golf becoming more and more busy with events all across the country, the Sunshine Cup offers competitors the chance to enjoy the game while giving back. Many hours go into fundraising for the Sunshine Cup, and even at their young age, the competitors take those matters into their own hands.
“Last year I did all my fundraising on my own,” Russell said. “Calling, texting, emailing people was how I was able to meet my goal of $10,000.”
This year, as a result of his fundraising efforts, Russell was given the opportunity to meet Jack Nicklaus during the Honda Classic.
“It’s really cool to be able to meet one of the greatest players to ever play the game.” Russell said.
The 2027 grad is certainly grateful of the support he receives for the Sunshine Cup. Each year, he writes a hand-written note to the people who donate to his fundraising efforts. For Russell, the note is a way to show appreciation for all the donators.
“Hopefully, it just keeps getting bigger and bigger by year,” Russell explained.
Indeed, there is much more to Russell than what you see on the golf course. His attributes go beyond that, which is why he has earned a spot on Team Florida for the past three consecutive years. Team Florida selects players that not only demonstrate exceptional playing abilities, but also display sportsmanship, and etiquette in this great sport. Miles Russell certainly understands and embodies these principles, and the FSGA is proud to watch him compete and succeed on and off the golf course.
