There’s no teenager in America who could provide a better Father’s Day gift than amateur golfer Miles Russell.
The 17-year-old phenom took a different approach rather than the traditional coffee mug or necktie route as he prepared for his final round at the US Open at Shinnecock Hills on Long Island.
After making the cut by shooting three-over at the notoriously tough coastal course, Russell was able to get his father inside the ropes to caddy for him on the 72nd hole.
Days of planning went into the gesture, with Russell kindly asking his caddie and instructor Ramon Bescansa to hand over bag carrying duties for the final hole.
However, he needed to get permission from the USGA – as Rule 10.3a requires that golfers only have a single caddie at a time.
Eventually, he got approval and Russel’s father, Joe Russell, donned the bib and lugged his son’s bag for the 18th and final hole of the day.
Teenage golfer Miles Russell (L) got permission from the USGA to have his father, Joe (R) caddie for him on the final hole of the 2026 US Open at Shinnecock Hills on Long Island
Joe was cleared by the USGA to carry his son’s bag on the final hole, taking over from Miles’ normal caddie and golf instructor Ramon Bescansa
Russell, who is set to play college golf at Florida State, was introduced to the sport by his dad
Father and son strolled the grounds together on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in New York as they walked up the fairway in a moment neither will ever forget.
‘It was just kind of a cool moment for both of us,’ Miles Russell told Yahoo Sports at the end of his day, ‘and something we’ll definitely remember.’
Russell tapped in for par to close out his best round of the weekend at even-par 70 and finished seven-over for the tournament.
The youngster is off to Florida State in the fall to play college golf alongside the likes of close friend Charlie Woods, the son of Tiger Woods.
Miles’ love for the sport is thanks to Joe, a 10-handicapper who introduced his son to the game at a young age.
‘Without him, I probably wouldn’t be here,’ Miles shared. ‘So I can’t thank him enough.’
