America 250: Bobby Jones
Born on March 17, 1902 in Atlanta, Georgia, Bobby Jones became one of the greatest amateur golfers in history. As a teenager, he reached the third round of the US Amateur at the age of 14, showing early promise. He went on to win 13 major championships, all as an amateur, a record that still stands. In 1930, Jones achieved
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Miles Russell is the youngest player in the 2026 US Open field at just 17 years old. Playing it up in a major championship at that age, let alone doing as well as he did at Shinnecock Hills, made it an already unforgettable week for him and his family.
However, the young man had one last surprise up his sleeve for Sunday’s final round, one that not only his family will cherish forever, but which left plenty of golf fans watching the moment unfold a little misty-eyed.
After hitting his approach shot into the par-4 18th, Russell’s caddy came over to the gallery. He proceeded to take off his caddy bib and hand it and Russell’s golf bag to Russell’s father, Joe.
Miles Russell tees off on the 11th hole during the second round of the UNC Health Championship at Raleigh Country Club on May 29, 2026 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images) ((Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images))
TEENAGE PHENOM MILES RUSSELL MAKES ENTIRE GOLF WORLD FEEL OLD WITH OWN QUOTES AHEAD OF US OPEN DEBUT
According to the NBC broadcast, it was all Russell’s idea. He approached USGA rules officials before teeing off on Sunday to ask them if it was okay to have his father take over caddying duties for the final hole, and they gave him the go-ahead.
Talk about a Father’s Day gift that may never be topped.
“It was pretty cool,” Russell said after Sunday’s final round. “Just there he went up 18, that’s when he stepped in. It was a fun Father’s Day gift. Kind of cool since it was my first. Hopefully it’s something he’ll remember for a long time.”
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Amateur Miles Russell of the United States tees off the 16th hole during the first round of the 126th US OPEN at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on June 18, 2026 in Southampton, New York. (Photo: Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
Russell shot 3-over in the opening two rounds of the US Open to make the cut by two shots. During Saturday’s third round, he struggled a bit en route to a 74, but backed it up with a final round score of even par.
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Miles Russell on the seventh tee during the first round of the 126th US Open Championship at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on June 18, 2026 in Southampton, New York. (Photo by Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR via Getty Images) (Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)
Russell qualified for this week’s US Open after advancing in the final stage of qualifying in a three-man playoff battling for two spots in the field. He had Charlie Woods, Tiger’s son, on his bag as his caddy during qualifying. Both Woods and Russell have committed to play college golf at Florida State.
In 2024, Russell became the youngest player in Korn Ferry Tour history to make the cut in a tournament, eventually finishing T-20
