Miles Russell’s Solid Start at U.S. Junior Amateur

On a bright Tuesday at Saucon Valley Grace Course in Bethlehem, Pa., Miles Russell posted a 1‑under 69 to open the 2026 U.S. Junior Amateur qualifying rounds. The Jacksonville Beach standout birdied three of his first four holes before slipping to three bogeys on the back nine. Russell now sits tied for 11th, just four strokes behind leader Sohan Patel of Weston.

Farther down the leaderboard, Tyler Mawhinney of Fleming Island crafted a level‑par round with four birdies offset by four bogeys on the Grace Course. The local prodigy is even through 18 holes and shares 19th place, keeping his match‑play hopes alive. His solid performance adds to the strong First Coast representation in the field.

The field also includes several other local golfers vying for the top‑64 spot that guarantees entry into match play on July 22. Jay Huntley (Jacksonville Beach) carded a 75 on the Grace Course and is tied for 122nd, while Charlie Hipp of St. Johns posted a 76 on the Old Course, sharing the same rank. Further back, Phillip Dunham of Ponte Vedra Beach shot a 77 and sits 158th; Easton Oliva, also from Ponte Vedra, registered an 80 and is currently 230th. Defending champion Hamilton Coleman struggled to a 76 on the Grace Course and also sits 158th.

Tee times for the area competitors provide a clear timeline for fans to follow. Tyler Mawhinney tees off at 7:55 a.m. on the Old Course, while Miles Russell follows at 8:39 a.m. on the same layout. Later in the day, Huntley begins at 12:15 p.m. on the Grace Course, followed by Oliva at 12:26 p.m., Hipp at 12:48 p.m., and Dunham at 1:32 p.m., also on the Old Course.

As the second round unfolds on July 21, these local players will aim to improve their positions and earn a spot among the top 64. The competition intensifies quickly, with each stroke carrying weight toward the match‑play field. Fans can track the progress of Russell, Mawhinney, and their peers as the qualifiers sharpen their games under the Pennsylvania summer sun.