Miles Russell claimed one of the most coveted spots in golf on Monday, earning his way into the US Open at age 17 with an unlikely partner carrying his bag: Charlie Woods, son of three-time champion Tiger Woods.
The world's No. 10 amateur survived a playoff at the Florida qualifier to secure the fourth and final available spot. Russell and Woods, who are close friends and both heading to Florida State to play college golf, came together for what turned out to be a winning formula.
"It kept it so light," Russell said of having Woods on the bag. "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."
Whether Woods will make the trip to Shinnecock Hills for next week's tournament remains uncertain. Russell was coy when asked about the possibility, offering only a knowing smile and the noncommittal response, "We'll see what he's doing. To be determined."
Russell edged out Giuseppe Puebla, the medalist from the same Florida qualifier, in what was one of the most competitive qualifying rounds across the country. The two teenagers also happen to be the top two-ranked amateurs in the American Junior Golf Association.
Qualifying sites stretched from coast to coast and into Canada, with 715 players competing for just 43 spots in the 126th U.S. Open. The competition also included qualifiers in England, Japan, and Dallas.
The Ohio qualifiers produced their own share of dramatic moments. Vaughn Harber, a sophomore at Ohio State, torched the final five holes at The Lakes with a five-under performance that included an eagle, then advanced through a playoff. Jackson Van Paris took the more direct route, birdieing his last two holes to qualify outright.
That same Ohio qualifier marked a historic milestone: Arni Sveinsson of LSU became the first player from Iceland to earn a spot in the US Open.
Billy Horschel found some much-needed good news in an otherwise difficult season, making it through one of the other Ohio qualifiers. Tony Finau, however, fell just short by two shots and will miss the US Open for the first time since 2017.
Author James Rodriguez: "Two teenagers, genuine friends, and one of them with the last name Woods carrying a bag at a major. Golf's gotten more interesting."
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