At one point in Charlie Woods’ rookie career, his father Tiger Woods played for him. But on Monday’s “Longest Day of Golf,” Charlie held the bag.
At the US Open Final Qualifying event in Florida, the younger Woods played for friend and top golfer Miles Russell as Russell tried to qualify for the 2026 US Open at Shinnecock Hills.
And in what was a promising outcome for the Florida State golf program, the junior team was a huge success, with Russell surviving the tournament to earn his playing time at Shinnecock.
Here’s what you need to know.
Miles Russell qualifies for the 2026 US Open with Charlie Woods in the bag
At just 17 years old, Russell has made a name for himself in the golf world. He dominated the minor leagues, earning AJGA Player of the Year honors the past two years.
On Monday, he entered the US Open Final Qualifying event at BallenIsles Country Club in Florida with one dream: to qualify for his first major tournament.
To do so, he enlisted Woods to manage his teams and advise him on every aspect. Russell and Woods, also 17, know each other well through junior golf tournaments. And in the coming years, they will get to know each other even better. Both have committed to play college golf at Florida State.
With four US Open spots up for grabs on Monday at BallenIsles CC, Russell shot a 71 over his first 18 holes. It was good, but not good enough against a quality field that featured PGA Tour winners Matt Kuchar and Matthieu Pavon, as well as up-and-coming tour star Luke Clanton.
But when the dust settled on the second 18 holes, Kuchar, Pavon and Clanton were sent packing without the US Open tee times.
On the other hand, Russell had a combined 67 to reach six under. That left him in a three-game tie for third, forcing three defeats in the last two spots at the US Open.
On the second qualifying hole, Russell holed a mid-range birdie putt to officially punch his ticket to the US Open at Shinnecock Hills.
“I don’t think it’s very good yet. I can’t even talk right now,” Russell told Golf Channel after qualifying for his first major. “It’s something you dream about and practice for. And it’s really good.”
As for accomplishing the feat with Woods by his side, Russell called it “very special.”
“It was amazing. We kept it really simple. It’s kind of the first time I had a friend on the bag instead of an actual caddy, and, you know, I really liked it,” Russell said of his partnership with Woods. “Just kind of walk down the fairway and not talk too much golf and have a good time.”
