Two teenagers earned their way into the 126th U.S. Open on Monday, but one of them came with an unexpected storyline. Miles Russell may be bringing Charlie Woods, son of three-time champion Tiger Woods, along as his caddie to Shinnecock Hills next week.
Russell, ranked No. 10 among amateur golfers worldwide, had to survive a bogey on the first playoff hole before claiming the fourth and final qualifying spot out of the Florida site. Charlie Woods, one of Russell’s close friends who shares the same commercial agent and is set to join him at Florida State, was on the bag throughout the grueling 36-hole qualifier.
“It kept it so light,” Russell said. “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.”
When asked whether Woods would be walking the fairways of Shinnecock Hills alongside him, Russell smiled and left the door open. “We’ll see what he’s doing. To be determined,” he said.
The medalist from the Florida qualifier was Giuseppe Puebla, ranked second in the American Junior Golf Association standings behind Russell. Three of the four players who advanced from Florida were amateurs, a remarkable result from a single site.
In total, 715 players competed across 10 qualifying sites stretching from coast-to-coast and into Canada, all chasing 43 available spots. Additional qualifying rounds had previously been held in England, Japan, and Dallas.
Ohio sites produce drama and history
One of the more memorable qualifying performances came from Vaughn Harber, a sophomore at Ohio State, who played his final five holes at The Lakes in 5-under par, including an eagle, and advanced through a 4-for-3 playoff. Jackson Van Paris birdied his last two holes to qualify outright without needing extra holes.
That same Ohio qualifier made history by producing the first Icelandic player ever to earn a spot in the U.S. Open. Arni Sveinsson, who competes for LSU, will make his major championship debut at Shinnecock Hills.
In the other Ohio qualifier, Billy Horschel found a rare bright spot in what has been a difficult season by advancing through. Tony Finau, however, fell short by two strokes and will miss the U.S. Open for the first time since 2017.
Notable moments across the country
An 18-year-old named Jackson Ormond, who will play collegiately at Florida next fall, birdied five of his final seven holes to post a 63 and emerge as the medalist in his qualifier, going from outside the cut line to leading the field.
Ben James, wrapping up the top spot in the PGA Tour University rankings, makes his professional debut this week at the Canadian Open before heading to Shinnecock Hills. Kevin Roy, meanwhile, will make his U.S. Open debut on home turf, qualifying in his native New York.
Max Homa missed out in a playoff for the second consecutive year, while Matt Kuchar has now gone without a major appearance since the 2024 U.S. Open.
Chase Keys avoided a tight 3-for-1 playoff by draining a birdie on the final hole in near darkness, securing his spot in dramatic fashion. Aldrich Potgieter, who missed qualifying, could still earn an exemption with a victory at this week’s Canadian Open.
