Miles Russell deserves a spot on the U.S. Walker Cup team. Here's why
SAN FRANCISCO — Sitting in a greenside bunker and short sided from the pin, Miles Russell lined up his shot.
He blasted the sand, splashing his ball on the green as it hopped once, twice and then rolled toward the cup. It caught the right edge, tumbling in, and Russell gave a subtle but commanding fist pump.
The shot during Wednesday's Round of 64 in the 2025 U.S. Amateur helped him take a 3-up lead with six holes to go in his match against Travis Woolf, one Russell won 4 and 2. It was just one of the notable shots he has hit in his young career but a showcase of the talent he possesses every time he pegs his golf ball.
Russell, 16, is the top-ranked junior in the world and into Thursday's Round of 32 at The Olympic Club. He's capable of making a run as the week progresses to add yet another bullet point to his impressive resume. But next month, Russell could become the youngest player ever to compete in the Walker Cup.
And Russell deserves a spot on the team, regardless of what happens the rest of the week in the U.S. Amateur.
"Our mantra the last part of the summer is good golf takes care of everything," Russell said Wednesday after a 20-minute range session following his victory. "I think maybe a good week here, we have a chance."
The Walker Cup is a biennial competition featuring a team of 10 Americans against their counterparts from Great Britain and Ireland. Next month, the 50th edition of the Ryder Cup-style battle takes place at famed Cypress Point Club, roughly two hours south of Olympic Club on the Monterey Peninsula.
Five Americans — Jackson Koivun, Ben James, Michael La Sasso, Preston Stout and Ethan Fang — have already made the team. This week at Olympic Club, if the winner is American, they will get a spot on the team. For everyone else, it's their final chance to make an impression to captain Nathan Smith and the International Team Selection Team.
For some players, like Tommy Morrison and Jase Summy, they're nearly shoo-ins to be selected. One of the spots will go to a Mid-Amateur, likely Evan Beck or Stewart Hagestad. That leaves two spots left: one for a possible winner and one choice, or two choices.
And Russell should be one of those picks.
Earlier this year, Russell went on a tear starting with a win at the Rolex Tournament of Champions and ending with a win at the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley; four victories in five starts in major junior and amateur events. This summer, he finished runner-up at the Northeast Amateur, made the quarterfinals at the U.S. Junior Amateur and made the Round of 16 at the North & South Amateur.
As a junior, he's ranked 16th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, a ridiculously high ranking for someone his age. Dating to last year, he has been one of the most-talked about amateurs in the game. A selection to the Walker Cup team would make his profile grow even more.
His selection would be wise for the Americans for numerous reasons. His game is clearly talented. He's strong in every facet, and he would pair well with almost anyone. He can win singles matches, too.
His age is also a factor. Russell will play on a Walker Cup team eventually. Possibly multiple teams, even if he wasn't selected now. So why not pick him for this team to get him experience on a stage like this? He has proven his game can withstand pressures of the top tournaments on the amateur schedule. Time to give him a chance to represent his country.
He's also ranked higher in WAGR than all but one possible member of the GB&I team. The Americans, on paper, have a decisive advantage. Picking Russell wouldn't take that away.
Later in September, Russell will be on the Junior Ryder Cup team representing the Red, White and Blue. He should have his chance at Cypress Point in three weeks, too.
"I've just got to hit good golf shots," Russell said. "If that means we make it on there, that's great. If it doesn't, maybe in a few years we'll have a better chance."
If Russell continues winning at Olympic Club and makes a run for the Havemeyer Trophy, it'll make the decision easy. If he wins, there won't be one at all. He will have earned an automatic selection.
But even if Russell were to fall in the Round of 32 on Thursday morning, his resume is enough to represent his country. But the more he keeps winning, the clearer the picture will become.
Miles Russell deserves his flowers, and a spot on the Walker Cup team could lead to more moments like the ones he produced Wednesday in the biggest amateur championship in the world.
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