Tiger Woods’ son Charlie drew the lion’s share of headlines this past weekend at the Junior PLAYERS Championship.
But it was a composed 16-year-old from Jacksonville Beach who ended up making history.
Miles Russell, a homeschooled Florida State commit, became the first player to win the prestigious event twice, closing with a 2-under 70 on Sunday to finish 9-under 207.
Russell first captured the championship in 2023 at just 14 years old, becoming the youngest winner in tournament history and establishing himself as one of the nation’s top junior golfers.
Played on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, the tournament draws an international field of elite juniors who compete under the same conditions faced by PGA Tour professionals at the PLAYERS Championship.
Russell’s rounds of 68, 69 and 70 produced a steady performance that ultimately subdued the field.
Born in 2008, Russell picked up the game at age 2 with guidance from his father and grandfather and trained out of Atlantic Beach Country Club.
He won the U.S. Kids World Championship in 2020 and 2021. In 2023, he was named AJGA Boys Rolex Player of the Year, breaking Tiger Woods’ record as the youngest recipient.
By 2024, Russell was competing against professionals. He became the youngest player to ever make a cut on the Korn Ferry Tour, tying for 20th at the LECOM Suncoast Classic. He also earned PGA Tour starts through sponsor exemptions.
His junior success continued with victories at the Rolex Tournament of Champions, the AJGA Simplify Boys Championship and the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley.
In July 2025, he committed to Florida State, where he plans to enroll in 2026.
