Egor Eroshenko Makes History as First Russian to Compete and Make the Cut on the PGA TOUR

SOUTHAMPTON, Bermuda (AP) — Egor Eroshenko achieved a historic milestone this week, becoming the first Russian to play on the PGA TOUR. On Friday, he solidified his place in the record books by becoming the first Russian to make the cut at a PGA TOUR event.

Eroshenko delivered an impressive performance in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, finishing his second round with a 4-under 67, including a stellar back-nine score of 31. His 36-hole total of 3-under 139 secured his spot for the weekend, marking a remarkable debut in a tournament recognized by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).

“I’m super excited,” said Eroshenko, a former University of Central Florida golfer. “I’m still kind of in a fog trying to process it all. Hopefully, I can grab some lunch and fully realize the cut is made. I’m looking forward to a good weekend.”

A Week of Milestones for Russian Golf

Eroshenko’s achievement comes just one week after his girlfriend, Nataliya Guseva, made headlines as the runner-up in the Lotte Championship on the LPGA Tour in Hawaii. Guseva, the first Russian to earn an LPGA card, decided to skip this week’s LPGA event in Florida to fulfill a promise she made to Eroshenko.

“She played the Asian swing and wasn’t sure if she’d compete at Hoakalei [in Hawaii],” Eroshenko explained. “I told her I signed up for the Monday qualifier, and if I made it, she’d have to come with me. She said, ‘Deal.’ And I made it.”

Having Guseva by his side this week provided invaluable support.

“It meant a lot having a familiar face walking with me, cheering during the highs and lows. It was just awesome,” he added.

Road to the PGA TOUR

Eroshenko earned his spot in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship after winning the Monday qualifier in Orlando. According to the PGA TOUR, no Russian player has previously competed in its events.

Currently, only four Russian golfers are listed on the OWGR, with Mikhail Morozov ranked No. 3,736, playing primarily on the Pro Golf Tour in Germany. By making the cut, Eroshenko is set to surpass Morozov and become Russia’s highest-ranked male golfer.

A Promising Future for Russian Golf

Guseva’s own career has been equally impressive. After playing college golf at the University of Miami, she won on the Epson Tour last year and earned her LPGA card. Her runner-up finish in Hawaii last week moved her to No. 25 in the Race to CME Globe standings, just one spot behind rising star Rose Zhang.

For Eroshenko, the journey to the PGA TOUR has been anything but easy. Since graduating from UCF, he’s faced challenges, including an early exit in the PGA TOUR Q-School. He now plans to pursue Q-School for the Asian Tour while continuing to refine his game.

Support from a Fellow Golfer

During the Bermuda Championship, Eroshenko relied on Guseva’s caddie and found solace in having her in the gallery at Port Royal Golf Course.

“I’m crazy about golf. I overthink everything,” he admitted. “Yesterday, she was like my mental coach, telling me to stop overanalyzing. That’s been a huge help, just keeping my mind off the pressure and focusing on the game.”

Looking Ahead

Eroshenko’s historic performance not only marks a new chapter for Russian golf but also sets the stage for a bright future. With his determination and the support of his equally accomplished partner, he is poised to inspire a new wave of golfers from Russia.

As he looks ahead to the weekend rounds, Eroshenko remains focused on making the most of his historic debut