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As if playing in the U.S. Open for the first time—and making it to the weekend—wasn't enough, 17-year-old Miles Russell somehow made his dad Joe's Father's Day Sunday even better as he made his way up the 72nd fairway at Shinnecock.
No, he didn't make a crazy final-round charge or hole out from 191 yards. He did something way, way cooler.
Russell, who began going to the driving range with his pops at age two (it's paying off), struck his final approach shot into the 18th for the week and gave his dad the surprise gift of a lifetime. Prior to the round, Russell reached out to USGA rules officials to ask if his old man could carry his bag to the 18th green and swap out with his caddie and swing coach, Ramon Bescansa. His request was granted.
The good stuff:
We have no idea how Joe kept it together here.
Incredibly, the young lefty shot an even-par 70 on Sunday, his lowest round of the week. In his first major championship at 17(!), he made the cut, finished seven over, and will likely secure a result inside the top 50. Russell beat the likes of Jordan Spieth, Russell Henley and Hideki Matsuyama, and that's just the guys who made the cut. What a special ending to a special week.
MORE GOLF DIGEST U.S. OPEN COVERAGE
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Power Rankings: Every player in the U.S. Open field, ranked
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Video: Every hole at Shinnecock Hills
Why can't the USGA get Shinnecock Hills right? Our interactive guide explains
What’s a ‘good’ shot at Shinnecock? The difference between our editos and tour average
Breaking down Scottie Scheffler’s chances to complete the career Grand Slam
Every chip shot you’ll see at Shinnecock Hills, explained
Continue reading...
No, he didn't make a crazy final-round charge or hole out from 191 yards. He did something way, way cooler.
Russell, who began going to the driving range with his pops at age two (it's paying off), struck his final approach shot into the 18th for the week and gave his dad the surprise gift of a lifetime. Prior to the round, Russell reached out to USGA rules officials to ask if his old man could carry his bag to the 18th green and swap out with his caddie and swing coach, Ramon Bescansa. His request was granted.
The good stuff:
We have no idea how Joe kept it together here.
Incredibly, the young lefty shot an even-par 70 on Sunday, his lowest round of the week. In his first major championship at 17(!), he made the cut, finished seven over, and will likely secure a result inside the top 50. Russell beat the likes of Jordan Spieth, Russell Henley and Hideki Matsuyama, and that's just the guys who made the cut. What a special ending to a special week.
MORE GOLF DIGEST U.S. OPEN COVERAGE
U.S. Open 101: Answering all your frequently asked questions
How to watch the 2026 U.S. Open
Power Rankings: Every player in the U.S. Open field, ranked
Here’s the record prize money payout for each golfer at the U.S. Open
Video: Every hole at Shinnecock Hills
Why can't the USGA get Shinnecock Hills right? Our interactive guide explains
What’s a ‘good’ shot at Shinnecock? The difference between our editos and tour average
Breaking down Scottie Scheffler’s chances to complete the career Grand Slam
Every chip shot you’ll see at Shinnecock Hills, explained
Continue reading...
