Jacksonville's Miles Russell Falls Short in Dramatic U.S. Amateur Loss
Miles Russell, a 16-year-old from Jacksonville Beach, faced a quarterfinal loss in the U.S. Amateur at Olympic Club on August 15, 2025.
Jacksonville's Miles Russell Falls Short in Dramatic U.S. Amateur Loss
In a gripping showdown at the Olympic Club Lake Course, 16-year-old Miles Russell from Jacksonville Beach saw his hopes of advancing in the U.S. Amateur championship come to a dramatic end. Russell faced off against Oklahoma State junior Eric Lee in the quarterfinals, and despite a valiant effort, he lost the match 1-up, marking his second quarterfinal defeat in a USGA national championship this summer, as Jacksonville.com reports.
The match had its ups and downs. Russell, initially down 2 after losing the first hole, found himself in a challenging position halfway through the game. However, showcasing impressive resilience, he managed to rally and even the match after winning the 9th and 10th holes. This turnaround saw him taking a fleeting 1-up lead after claiming the 12th hole.
High Stakes and Tension
The intensity mounted as Lee quickly regained the lead by winning the 13th and 14th holes. Both players continued to demonstrate skill, parring the 15th and 16th holes, with Lee and Russell both making birdies on the 17th. This nail-biting encounter had the crowd on the edge of their seats.
The final moments were particularly tense. On the 18th, while Russell’s drive found the fairway, Lee’s shot veered right. However, with precision, Lee managed to reach the green with a well-executed sliced wedge shot. Russell, on the other hand, ended up long, struggling with his final par attempt. Ultimately, the match concluded in dramatic fashion after Russell’s missed par allowed Lee to secure the victory amidst a tense three-putt finish.
Looking Ahead
In other quarterfinal matches, excitement continued as Niall Shiels Donegan defeated Jacob Modleski in an exhausting 20 holes, setting up a following showdown against Jackson Herrington, who triumphed over Jimmy Abdo with a score of 4 and 2. Fans can catch the upcoming semifinals broadcast on Golf Channel today from 3-6 p.m., with the championship match slated for August 17 from 7-10 p.m.
The talent displayed by these young golfers promises an electrifying conclusion to the tournament, making it a must-watch for golf aficionados across Florida and beyond.