Miles Russell, age 17, shot a two-over-par 72 in Thursday's first round at the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York.
Russell posted 14 pars along with three bogeys and one birdie. After the morning wave he stood four shots behind the lead.
The teenager said he focused on hitting greens and managing the wind. “You just have to try to hit a lot of greens and putt it close,” he said.
Russell played alongside Padraig Harrington, who praised his ball-striking. “He hit it dead straight all day,” Harrington said.
Russell is scheduled to tee off at 1:14 p.m. Friday from the 10th hole with Harrington and Cameron Smith.
