Miles Russell didn’t get much help from his putter but is still going strong in a wicked tough major golf championship at Shinnecock Hills.
The 17-year-old Jacksonville Beach resident slogged through a difficult round at Shinnecock Hills on Saturday, grinding his way to a 4-over 70. Russell will start his final round at 7 over for the tournament, an impressive feat in his first major.
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Still, the windy conditions of the day made it tough for Russell’s control off the tee and in the short game. He struggled hitting fairways on Saturday (nine of 14) and had just 10 of 18 greens in regulation.
Russell made the cut by a stroke on Friday, doing a bit better on the greens than he did in his opening round. He two-putted from 17 feet on No. 4, then left a birdie putt 10 inches short on the par 5-fifth hole. He was less than a foot short from a par on the ninth hole.
Russell’s lone birdie of the day came on a 20-footer on the par 4 14th hole.
Saturday’s third round was far more challenging, with the greens playing quicker and the pins more challenging.
“Yeah, it’s really special to get to play the weekend here, just in any tournament,” he said. “But making a major, my first one, it’s super special, and I’m looking forward to it.”