Not your average underdog, Ryder Cowan takes down Miles Russell with chip-in
Golf Channel • • sports
Key Points:
- Ryder Cowan, ranked eighth in the world amateur golf rankings, defeated 17-year-old phenom Miles Russell, ranked fourth, in a U.S. Amateur match despite being considered the underdog by the crowd.
- Cowan overcame equipment challenges, using only two golf balls during the match, and made a crucial chip-in par on the 17th hole to secure his victory.
- Russell showed strong wedge play and resilience but missed key opportunities, including an 8-foot putt on the 18th hole that would have extended the match.
- Cowan demonstrated improved patience and composure, notably recovering from a tough start in stroke play to advance through a playoff into the knockout stage.
- Other top-ranked amateurs, including Josiah Gilbert and Kihei Akina, were eliminated early, while Tyler Watts and William Jennings remain among the highest-ranked players still competing.
