Teenager Miles Russell qualifies for US Open with Charlie Woods on bag
Seventeen-year-old amateur Miles Russell has secured his place at next week’s US Open at Shinnecock Hills, surviving a dramatic play-off in Florida with Charlie Woods serving as his caddie.
The world number 10 amateur claimed the final spot from the qualifying event after navigating a tense bogey on the first extra hole.
He was accompanied by the son of three-time champion Tiger Woods, a close friend who shares his commercial agent and will soon join him at Florida State.
“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.”
The young Floridian remained coy about whether his high-profile bagman would join him in New York for the third major championship of the year.
“We’ll see what he’s doing. To be determined.”
Horschel advances while Finau misses out
A gruelling schedule known as ‘Golf’s Longest Day’ saw 715 players across 10 North American locations competing for just 43 remaining places in the 126th edition of the tournament.
Veteran Billy Horschel found a rare bright spot in a challenging season by securing one of five spots available in the Ohio qualifier.
However, Tony Finau will miss the prestigious event for the first time since 2017 after falling two shots short of the required mark.
Fellow 17-year-old Giuseppe Puebla took medal honours in Florida, joining a remarkably youthful contingent heading to Shinnecock Hills.
International success and notable absentees
History was made in Ohio as Louisiana State University student Arni Sveinsson became the first Icelandic player to ever qualify for the competition.
In Canada, Emiliano Grillo and Alejandro Tosti successfully navigated their way through an intense eight-man play-off.
Meanwhile, Max Homa suffered extra-hole heartbreak for the second consecutive year to agonizingly miss out on a major appearance.
Other high-profile casualties included Matt Kuchar, who extends his absence from golf’s biggest stages, and Brandt Snedeker.
