The top-ranked junior golfer in the world had to battle Wednesday at the U.S. Junior Amateur, and it was just the first round of six.
DALLAS — How hard is the 162-hole marathon known as the U.S. Junior Amateur?
Just ask Miles Russell, the top-ranked junior golfer in the world. That distinction didn’t matter much Wednesday morning when Russell stepped to the fourth tee box at Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas. Through three holes of match play, Russell trailed Jackson Ormond by two.
“Just hit some solid golf shots and he hit some great golf shots,” Russell said. “When you execute your game plan and you’re two down through three, that’s maybe not the best thing.”
Ormond maintained his lead into the back nine, where Russell came alive and birdied No. 10 and No. 14. But an Ormond birdie on No. 15 pushed his lead back to two with three holes to play.
Russell would then birdie No. 16 and No. 18, including making a 35-foot putt on the final hole to tie Ormond and force the match to continue.
“Kind of had to make it and was able to do that,” Russell said.
Returning to No. 1 for extras, Russell and Ormond both made par. Then Russell birdied No. 2 — his 20th hole of the day — to win the match.
“Didn’t have maybe the best of starts,” Russell said. “Just kind of hung in there all day. Just grinded. Trying to force him to make a mistake, which he didn’t make many of them.”
The high drama, it should be noted, unfolded in the first of six rounds of match play.
The reward for Russell was another round in the Texas heat on Thursday morning, in the Round of 32. The Round of 16 was scheduled for Thursday afternoon, then the quarterfinals and semifinals on Friday. Finally, the last two golfers standing will go head-to-head for 36 holes on Saturday. That’s 162 holes in all — if each match goes the distance — including the two rounds of stroke play on Monday and Tuesday. And as Russell experienced Wednesday, there’s always the chance for a few extra holes, if needed.
“Really just have to be picky with where you use your energy,” Russell said. “Lot of rest. Eat good, drink good. And really just try to get a good night’s sleep and rest up for the next day.”
Russell’s match wasn’t the only notable battle Wednesday.
Trevor Gutschewski, the defending champion and the No. 2-ranked junior golfer behind Russell, lost to Chase Bauer.
Irving’s Henry Guan, another top junior, got into the match play as the final seed, No. 64, but managed to beat medalist Mason Howell in the first round.
Frisco’s Luke Colton, the No. 3-ranked junior, beat Jace Benson in a match that went all 18 holes.
“I’m glad I was able to get it done,” Colton said. “18 holes, was hoping to play a little bit shorter. But there are a lot of matches.”
At the Junior Amateur, it’s a long way to the top — even for the kids at the top.
