What a weekend it has been for Miles Russell at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club.
The 17-year-old from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, became the second-youngest amateur to make the cut at a U.S. Open since World War II. He was one of four amateurs to make the cut this weekend, and he finished third among them at 7-over, good for a share of 40th place.
As if playing in the final round of the U.S. Open on Father’s Day weren’t sweet enough for Russell and his family, he made that moment even more special for his dad with an awesome surprise.
Russell’s swing coach, Ramon Bescansa, served as his caddie in Long Island this weekend. However, during the final walk-up to the green of the 18th, Russell’s father, Joe, was handed the bag and the bib. He caddied for his son to close out an impressive run in his major debut in a moment neither is sure to forget any time soon.
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Miles Russell’s father, Joe, took over as caddie for his son’s final walk up 18.
What a Father’s Day gift! pic.twitter.com/7tfHKSrjyx
— U.S. Open (@usopengolf) June 21, 2026
“It was kind of a fun Father’s Day gift,” Russell said, per the Oskaloosa Herald. “Kind of cool since it was my first one. Hopefully it’s something he’ll remember for a long time.”
According to the U.S. Open broadcast, Russell had been planning the surprise since Sunday morning and had cleared it with the USGA rules committee in advance.
Russell is one of the top prep golfers in the nation, and he is friends with Tiger Woods’ son, Charlie, who caddied for him when he qualified for the U.S. Open. Russell and the younger Woods are both committed to play college golf at Florida State.
We may see Russell back at major tournaments for years to come, but for now, he capped off his first with one of the best moments of the weekend at Shinnecock.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: U.S. Open 2026: Amateur Miles Russell’s Father’s Day surprise for dad
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