Miles Russell surprises dad with caddie duties on 18th hole at U.S. Open
America 250: Bobby Jones
Bobby Jones was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 17, 1902, and became one of the greatest amateur golfers in history. As a teenager, he showed early promise, reaching the third round of the U.S. Amateur at age 14. He won 13 major championships, all as an amateur, and this record still stands. In 1930 Jones concluded:
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Miles Russell became the youngest player in the 2026 US Open field at just 17 years old. At that age, he had already had a memorable week for himself and his family, let alone making a major championship like he did at Shinnecock Hills.
But the young man had one final surprise for Sunday’s final round; Not only was it a surprise his family will cherish forever, but it also left many golf fans misty-eyed as they watched the moment.
After hitting an approach shot on the par-4 18th, Russell’s caddies moved toward the gallery. The assistant took off his apron and handed it and Russell’s golf bag to Russell’s father, Joe.
Miles Russell tees off at the 11th hole during the second round of the UNC Health Championship at Raleigh Country Club on May 29, 2026 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo: Jordan Bank/Getty Images) ((Photo: Jordan Bank/Getty Images))
YOUNG PHENOM MILES RUSSELL MAKES THE ENTIRE GOLF WORLD FEEL OLD WITH EYE-BREAKING QUOTE BEFORE OUR OPEN DEBUT
According to the NBC broadcast, the whole thing was Russell’s idea. Before tee-off on Sunday, he contacted USGA rules officials to ask if it would be OK for his father to take over caddy duties for the final hole, and they gave him the green light.
Talk about a Father’s Day gift that may never be surpassed.
“It was pretty good,” Russell said after Sunday’s final round. “He stepped in when he was walking around 18 years old. It was kind of a fun Father’s Day gift. It was very nice because it was my first gift. I hope it’s something he’ll remember for a long time.”
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American amateur Miles Russell tees off the 16th hole during the first round of the 126th US OPEN at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on June 18, 2026 in Southampton, New York. (Photo: Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
Russell closed the gap by two shots by shooting 3-over in the first two rounds of the US Open. He struggled a bit in Saturday’s third round as he made his way to a 74, but he backed it up with an even score in the final round.
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Miles Russell takes seventh place in the first round of the 126th US Open Championship at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on June 18, 2026 in Southampton, New York. (Photo: Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR via Getty Images) (Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)
Russell qualified for this week’s US Open after advancing through the final stage of a three-man playoff competing for two spots in the field. He had Tiger’s son, Charlie Woods, as a sidekick in his bag during the qualifiers. Both Woods and Russell have decided to play college golf at Florida State.
In 2024, Russell became the youngest player in Korn Ferry Tour history to win a tournament, eventually finishing T-20.
