Tag: 2024 Lecom Suncoast Classic

Photos: Miles Russell, 15, becomes youngest to make cut on Korn Ferry Tour at Lecom Suncoast Classic 2024

What a week for Miles.

Miles Russell, 15, is already a decorated amateur golfer. But after two rounds of the Korn Ferry Tour’s Lecom Suncoast Classic at Lakewood National Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, he’s made history.

After rounds of 68-66, Russell is now the youngest player ever to make a cut on the Korn Ferry Tour.

On Friday, Russell made two eagles on his front nine, one at the par-4 fourth and another at the par-5 ninth. Once he made the turn, he birdied Nos. 10 and 11 before a bogey at 13.

His second-round 5-under 66 has him tied for 26th after 36 holes and six shots back of the lead held by Brandon Crirk at 14 under.

Check out some of the best photos of Russell’s historic week below.

Morgan Hoffmann, in continued comeback from muscular dystrophy, contending on Korn Ferry Tour

Morgan Hoffmann’s journey is an incredible story.

Morgan Hoffmann’s journey is an incredible story. He can perhaps add yet another chapter to it this week.

Hoffmann, who was diagnosed with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy in 2017, has slowly but surely started playing golf again in an effort to return to the PGA Tour. The 34-year-old has played in 167 Tour events in his career and earned a little more than $6 million. Doctors told him he didn’t have much of a chance to live.

Now, he’s in contention on the Korn Ferry Tour heading to the weekend in his first full season back.

Hoffmann had nine birdies in a 7-under 64 on Friday at the Lecom Suncoast Classic at Lakewood National Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. He sits at 13 under for the tournament, trailing only Brandon Crick by a shot going to Saturday.

“I’ve been knocking rust off since the beginning of the season,” Hoffmann said. “It feels really good to be back out here competing again. I’m very grateful to be here.”

Hoffmann has finished T-59 and T-52 in his two made cuts in five starts this season on the Korn Ferry Tour, but one weekend is enough to vault someone up the standings and into a position for a PGA Tour card.

His search for alternative treatments for his incurable disease took him around the world, eventually settling in Costa Rica. In 2017, Hoffmann and his wife, Chelsea, established the Morgan Hoffmann Foundation to help the fight against muscular dystrophy.

“The last two years have been a lot of ups and downs and working on health still,” Hoffmann said. “My goal is to get back on the PGA Tour. Let’s have a win, or start there. That’s a good goal.”