The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) made the announcement on Monday, marking the first-ever tournament exemption for the reigning AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year into a PGA TOUR event at the Port Royal Golf Course. Russell's impressive performance last week on the Korn Ferry Tour led to this opportunity.

Although Russell has yet to make a start on the PGA TOUR, he made quite the impression in his debut at the professional level. During the Korn Ferry Tour's LECOM Suncoast Classic, he finished T20 with remarkable rounds of 66-68-70-66 at Lakewood National Golf Club's Commander course. Not only did he become the youngest player to make a Korn Ferry Tour cut, but he also achieved the first top-25 finish by a player under 16 on either the PGA TOUR or Korn Ferry Tour on record since 1983.

With his outstanding performance, Russell secured a spot in this week's Veritex Bank Championship. However, due to his age, Russell is not eligible to receive non-member points toward Special Temporary Membership until he turns 18. Nevertheless, his potential and talent have not gone unnoticed, and he will have the opportunity to compete on the PGA TOUR this fall.

Last year, Russell made headlines when he became the youngest-ever AJGA Boys Junior Player of the Year, surpassing Tiger Woods' long-standing record. Joining the ranks of golfers like Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler, who also achieved top-25 finishes in their TOUR debuts, Russell's future in professional golf looks promising.

The Butterfield Bermuda Championship, scheduled for November 14-17, is part of the FedExCup Fall and will take place at the scenic Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, Bermuda. Russell expressed his gratitude for the exemption, stating, "I have dreamt of playing on the PGA TOUR my entire life, and to have that dream coming to fruition later this year is a feeling that I cannot describe. I am grateful to the tournament and the AJGA for their partnership that is allowing me this incredible opportunity."

Russell's successful 2023 season included back-to-back victories at the TaylorMade TP5 Junior All-Star and Moon Golf Junior All-Star tournaments, along with an impressive seven-shot win at the Junior PGA Championship and a three-shot win at the Junior PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass. Currently a high school freshman attending online school, Russell is determined to make the most of his upcoming opportunities on both the Korn Ferry Tour and the PGA TOUR.

Patrick Cansfield, AJGA Director of Development, expressed his excitement about the collaboration with the PGA TOUR and Butterfield Bermuda Championship. He stated, "We are proud to partner with the PGA TOUR and Butterfield Bermuda Championship to help our juniors grow on and off the golf course."

The golfing world eagerly anticipates Russell's upcoming performances, as he continues to impress with his exceptional skill and drive at such a young age.