Russell Meets Cowan in U.S. Amateur Opening Round at Merion

Jacksonville Beach standout Miles Russell is set to face Oklahoma senior Ryder Cowan in the opening round of match play at the U.S. Amateur on Aug. 12 at Merion Country Club in Ardmore, Pa. The duo is scheduled to tee off at 1:50 p.m.

Russell, the sixth seed, enters the match after tying for fifth in the 36-hole stroke play qualifier. Cowan secured his spot in the 64-player bracket by birdieing the first playoff hole during a competitive 16-for-11 playoff. Cowan joined 10 other players battling for the final match play positions.

This matchup marks a reunion for the two amateurs, who previously competed in a U.S. Open sectional qualifier in June. Both players successfully qualified for the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, where Cowan finished tied for 23rd and Russell tied for 39th.

The 17-year-old Russell, a verbal commit to Florida State for 2027, has had a standout summer. He reached the championship match of the U.S. Junior Amateur and advanced to the semifinals of the Western Amateur. Russell served as co-medalist at the U.S. Junior Amateur and was the medalist at the Western Amateur.

Fans can watch the first round of match play on Aug. 12 from 3-6 p.m. on Peacock and NBCSN. The round of 16 will follow on Aug. 13 during the same broadcast window. These broadcasts will be carried by Comcast Corporation, which currently has a market capitalization of approximately $89.4 billion and saw its stock price adjust to $25.31 in recent trading.

What to watch

• Russell’s performance in match play after deep runs in the U.S. Junior Amateur and Western Amateur.
• First round coverage on Peacock and NBCSN starting Aug. 12 at 3 p.m.

Source: original release