Teenage phenom Miles Russell makes entire golf world feel old with eye-popping quote ahead of US Open debut

Tim Brando tells Dan Dakich why he thinks LIV never grabbed the attention of American golf fans

Miles Russell is the youngest player in the 2026 U.S. Open field at just 17 years old. A young man who has been driving a car for less than two years teeing it up in a major championship is a tough reality to grasp, and, understandably so, the Florida State commit's story heading into Shinnecock Hills has been a popular one in the build-up to Thursday's opening round.

Russell, the No. 1 junior player in the world, opted for a formal press conference on Wednesday ahead of what will be his first start in a major championship. In a rather predictable fashion, he almost immediately made everyone in the golf world feel incredibly old.

Miles Russell reads the green on the 17th hole during the continuation of the second round of the LECOM Suncoast Classic 2026 at Lakewood National Golf Club Commander on April 4, 2026 in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. ((Photo by Parker S. Freedman/Getty Images))

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER'S FIRST ATTEMPT AT THE CAREER GRAND SLAM TOPS US OPEN STORYLINES TO WATCH AT SHINNECOCK

When asked if he had any memory of watching the 2018 U.S. Open, which marked the last time the tournament was held at Shinnecock, he responded with an answer that swiftly put things into perspective.

"Maybe bits and pieces, but that's probably more from seeing highlights from it. I don't know. I don't really remember watching any U.S. Opens when I was that little," Russell began. "I think my first kind of golf memory from watching it was maybe Spieth in 2015 at the Masters. I think really remembering it was Tiger in 2019."

Russell isn't talking about Tiger Woods in the 2019 U.S. Open, where he finished T-21. He's referring to Woods winning the