Seventeen-year-old amateur golfer Miles Russell marked his U.S. Open debut on Sunday with a memorable Father’s Day gesture when his father, Joe Russell, took over as his caddie for the final hole at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York.
Russell, who qualified for the U.S. Open through a 36-hole tournament earlier in June, initially relied on caddie Ramon Bescansa throughout the event. However, Bescansa handed off the bag to Joe Russell just before Miles reached the 18th hole. The handover occurred outside the ropes, with Joe donning the caddie bib after Bescansa removed his own. According to broadcast coverage, Miles had sought and received permission from a USGA rules official earlier that day to make the switch, but his father was unaware of the plan until moments before.
“This was kind of a fun Father’s Day gift,” Miles Russell said afterward, reflecting on the unique experience. “Kind of cool since it was my first one. Hopefully it’s something he’ll remember for a long time.”
Prior to the tournament, Russell had enlisted Charlie Woods, son of Tiger Woods and a future teammate at Florida State University, as his caddie during qualifying. For the championship rounds at Shinnecock Hills, Ramon Bescansa carried the bag until the final hole.
Russell concluded the final round with an even-par 70 and a total score of seven over par for the tournament. This performance made him the second-youngest male amateur since World War II to play in the U.S. Open weekend field. He was paired in the last two rounds with fellow amateur Jackson Koivun, who is soon turning professional after leading Auburn University to two NCAA team titles.
Russell described the week as a “pretty special” experience. “Just to be here was really special, and to make the cut was kind of bonus points. I didn’t quite have my best stuff the last two days, but still really cool. Just a great experience,” he said. The event marked an important milestone in his young career on a challenging course known for testing the world’s best golfers.