Miles Russell makes golf history with remarkable Western Amateur achievement

Miles Russell has added another remarkable achievement to his rapidly growing golf résumé after making history at the Western Amateur.

The 17-year-old fired rounds of 64 and 65 on Thursday to finish the 72-hole stroke-play stage at 21-under par, edging Auburn rising senior Josiah Gilbert by one shot to claim medalist honours.

In doing so, Russell became the first player in golf history to win medalist honours at both the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship and Western Amateur in the same year.

Only four players had previously achieved the feat during their careers: Sam Horsfield, Doug Martin, Willie Wood and Bob Byman.

Russell has now gone one step further by completing the double in the same season.

The Florida State commit will enter Friday's match play at Beverly Country Club in Illinois as the No. 1 seed, with the tournament scheduled to conclude on Saturday afternoon.

Russell responds to U.S. Junior Amateur disappointment

The latest milestone comes just one week after Russell suffered a heavy defeat at the U.S. Junior Amateur.

Russell, who finished runner-up at Saucon Valley, was beaten 6&5 by fellow left-hander Noah Maclauchlan.

However, the teenager responded in emphatic fashion at the Western Amateur.

After opening Thursday with a 64, Russell followed it with a 65 to reach 21-under par and secure medalist honours by the narrowest of margins.

He now has the opportunity to turn that performance into one of the biggest amateur titles in the game.

The match-play stage will present a very different test, but Russell has given himself the best possible starting position.

Another incredible summer for Russell

Russell's latest achievement adds to what has already been an extraordinary summer.

The 17-year-old is currently No. 5 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking and is the world's top-ranked junior.

He also made the cut at the U.S. Open earlier this summer, doing so in his first appearance in a major championship.

Russell will have another major assignment later this summer when he represents the United States at the Walker Cup at Lahinch in Ireland.

He is one of four players to earn an automatic selection to the U.S. team.

Despite still having another year before beginning his college career at Florida State, Russell is already establishing himself against some of the best amateur players in the world.

Now, he has another chance to add a major trophy to his collection.

His historic medalist performance is already secured. The next question is whether Russell can go all the way and win the Western Amateur itself.