Padraig Harrington comments on what 17-year-old Miles Russell was like as a playing partner at the US Open

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Padraig Harrington got to see talented teenager Miles Russell up close and personal on day one of the US Open at Shinnecock Hills.

Harrington struggled around Shinnecock Hills on Thursday, and ended up posting an opening round of seven-over par 77 at the US Open.

Meanwhile, Russell, 17, carded a two-over par 72.

Padraig Harrington and Miles Russell are obviously at completely opposite stages of their golfing careers.

The Irishman, 54, has three major championships to his name while the teenage American has his entire career in front of him.

The two players were drawn to play together for the first two rounds of the US Open at Shinnecock Hills, so they got a close-up look at each other’s games.

Padraig Harrington comments on what Miles Russell was like to play with at the US Open

Harrington spoke to reporters after his opening round at Shinnecock on Thursday.

And the Irishman responded when asked to share his thoughts on 17-year-old Miles Russell as a golfer.

“He played lovely. 2-over par was the worst he could have shot. He hit it dead straight all day. Didn’t really have himself in too much trouble at all. Probably could have been a couple better.“

He was then asked whether Russell stood out to him over other young golfers he has played with in the past.

“Have to wait and see,“ he said.

“It’s hard to know in the wind. He played lovely golf, hit it — as I said, looked like he could hit it down a rope. I think he wants narrower fairways, if you ask me. He looked lovely.

“I’ll wait and see another day. He’s a little guy, isn’t he? He’s 17 years of age. Can’t remember what I was doing when I was 17 years of age. Yeah, I’m sure it’s all ahead of him.

“Looked very good. It’s hard to tell in one round of golf in all that wind.“

Russell is one of the most talented young golfers in the world and he almost certainly has an incredibly exciting future ahead of him.

Padraig Harrington says there wasn’t a lot of chat with Miles Russell

Harrington admitted that day one at Shinnecock was not a great day to chat.

“There wasn’t a lot of talk or anything,“ he said.

“It was really windy out there. Head down and getting your work done. It wasn’t a great day to chat.

“A lot of good shots for him, as I said, but not a great day to chat, no.

“Talked with one or two other amateurs and things like that when they pass, but not much else.“

Despite the lack of chat between the players, there is no doubt that Padraig Harrington was hugely impressed by Miles Russell on day one of the US Open.