Miles Russell turned his US Open debut into a Father’s Day memory, letting dad Joe carry the bag on the 18th hole at Shinnecock Hills.
Miles Russell made his US Open debut unforgettable Sunday, and not just because the 17-year-old amateur held his own on one of golf’s biggest stages.
He also delivered one of the coolest Father’s Day moments of the week.
As Russell approached the 18th green at Shinnecock Hills, his regular caddie for the championship, Ramon Bescansa, peeled off toward the gallery ropes.
Waiting there was Russell’s father, Joe, who had no idea what was coming. Bescansa set the bag down, removed the caddie bib and handed it over.
Just like that, Joe Russell went from proud dad outside the ropes to caddie inside the ropes for his son’s final walk of the US Open.
It was a slick, emotional move from Miles, who had checked earlier in the day to make sure the switch would be allowed.
Once Joe realized what was happening, he put on the bib and joined his son for the final stretch of a week they’ll both be talking about for a long time.
Russell closed his championship with an even-par 70, finishing the tournament at 7 over. For a teenager making his first US Open appearance, that’s a pretty strong showing.
For a father getting to carry the bag on Father’s Day, it was something much bigger than a scorecard.
The week already had a family-and-future feel around Russell. Charlie Woods, Tiger Woods’ son and Russell’s future teammate at Florida State, caddied for him during US Open qualifying earlier this month.
At Shinnecock, Russell spent the final two rounds alongside fellow amateur Jackson Koivun, the Auburn standout who helped lead the Tigers to two NCAA championships and is expected to turn pro soon.
But when Russell looks back on his first US Open, the lasting image may be simple ... a son, a dad, a caddie bib and one perfect walk up 18.
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