Miles Russell, a 17-year-old amateur golfer, secured a spot in the US Open on Monday, with Tiger Woods' son Charlie Woods potentially serving as his caddie at Shinnecock Hills next week. Russell, ranked No. 10 in the world amateur standings, survived a bogey on the first playoff hole to grab the fourth and final spot from the Florida qualifier.
Friends On and Off the Course
Charlie Woods, the son of three-time US Open champion Tiger Woods, is one of Russell's close friends. The two share the same commercial agent and will attend Florida State University together to play college golf. Russell praised Woods' caddying during the qualifier, saying, "It kept it so light. It's the first time I've had a buddy on the bag. I really like it, not talking much golf, just having a good time."
Uncertainty Over Caddie at Shinnecock
When asked if Woods would be on the bag for the US Open, Russell smiled and said, "We'll see what he's doing. To be determined." The tournament will be held at Shinnecock Hills next week, one of the longest courses in the world.
Qualifier Highlights
The medalist from the Florida qualifier was Giuseppe Puebla, who ranks second behind Russell in the American Junior Golf Association rankings. They were among 715 players at 10 sites across the US and Canada vying for 43 spots in the 126th US Open. Previous qualifiers were held in England, Japan, and Dallas.
In Ohio, Vaughn Harber, who just finished his sophomore year at Ohio State, played his final five holes at The Lakes in five-under par, including an eagle, and advanced in a playoff. Jackson Van Paris birdied his last two holes to qualify without extra holes. That qualifier also produced Arni Sveinsson from Iceland, the first player from his country to play in the US Open; he plays for LSU.
In another Ohio qualifier, Billy Horschel found a bright spot in an otherwise tough season, qualifying among five players. Tony Finau missed out by two shots and will not be at the US Open for the first time since 2017.
