Sometimes in Charlie Woods’ amateur career, his father, Tiger Woods, caddied for him. But on Monday at “The Longest Day in Golf” Charlie was the one carrying the bag.
In one US Open final qualifying event in Floridathe younger Woods caddied for his friend and best golfer Miles Russell as Russell tried to qualify for next week’s 2026 US Open at Shinnecock Hills.
And in what was certainly a promising outcome for Florida State’s golf program, the junior team turned out to be a resounding success, with Russell surviving a playoff to earn his time at Shinnecock.
Here’s what you need to know.
Miles Russell qualifies for the 2026 US Open with Charlie Woods in the bag
At just 17 years old, Russell has already made a name for himself in the golf world. He has dominated the junior circuit, earning AJGA Player of the Year honors the past two years.
On Monday, he entered the US Open final qualifying event at BallenIsles Country Club in Florida with one dream: to qualify for his first major championship.
To do this, he asked Woods to hold clubs and advise him throughout the round. Russell and Woods, also 17, know each other well from junior golf tournaments. And over the next few years, they will get to know each other even better. Both have committed to play college golf at Florida State.
With four spots open in the US Open on Monday at BallenIsles CC, Russell shot a 71 over his first 18 holes. It was good, but not good enough against a quality field that featured PGA Tour winners Matt Kuchar and Matthieu Pavon, as well as future Tour star Luke Clanton.
But once the dust settled on the second 18 holes, Kuchar, Pavon and Clanton were sent packing without US Open tee times.
Russell, on the other hand, rallied with a 67 to reach six under. That left him in a three-way tie for thirdforcing a three-man playoff for the final two US Open spots.
On the second playoff hole, Russell drained a mid-range birdie putt to officially punch his ticket to the US Open at Shinnecock Hills.
“I don’t think it’s set in much yet. I’m pretty speechless right now,” Russell told Golf Channel after qualifying for his first major. “It’s something you dream about and practice for. And it’s just really cool.”
As for achieving success with Woods by his side, Russell called it “super special.”
“It was awesome. We kept it so easy. It’s the first time I’ve had a buddy on a bag instead of an actual caddy, and, you know, I really enjoyed it,” Russell said of his partnership with Woods. “Just like walking the fairway and not talking too much about golf and just having a fun time.”
