Father's Day Golf Surprise
Amateur Miles Russell, 17, surprises father by letting him caddie at US Open debut.
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On Father's Day, 17-year-old Miles Russell pulled off one of the most memorable moments in recent U.S. Open history. After playing 71 and a half holes of his major debut at Shinnecock Hills, he stopped on the 18th fairway and waved his dad, Joe, across the ropes to carry the bag home WRAL.
Joe Russell had no idea it was coming. He had followed his son's entire tournament from outside the ropes, watching Miles shoot a four-round total of +4 and finish T32 — beating several top-20 players in the world Yahoo Sports. When caddie Michael "Sully" Sullivan walked toward him holding the bag, Joe thought his son had forgotten a glove.
How a Veteran Caddie Hatched the Plan
Sullivan, a professional caddie who carried the bag for the first 71.5 holes, reportedly came up with the idea on Saturday evening Newsday. He brought it to Miles, who immediately said yes. The two then coordinated with USGA officials to make sure no rules were broken. USGA Chief Championships Officer John Bodenhamer gave the green light, clearing the caddie swap under Rule 10.3.
At 5:15 PM on Sunday, after Miles hit his drive on the 72nd hole, Sullivan walked outside the ropes and handed the bag to Joe. Joe Russell later said: "I saw Sully coming toward me and I thought Miles had forgotten a glove. When he handed me the bag, I couldn't breathe for a second." Joe then walked the final roughly 240 yards of the hole with his son WBAL.
A 17-Year-Old Who Competed Like a Pro
Russell is ranked as the top amateur golfer in the world. He qualified for the U.S. Open on June 8 by finishing T2 at the Jupiter, Florida sectional — part of what golf calls "Golf's Longest Day" Winnipeg Free Press. He shot a 71 in Round 1, then a 69 in Round 2 to make the cut — one of the youngest amateurs in the modern era to do so.
Miles told reporters: "I've been dreaming of this walk since I was five. I didn't want to finish it with anyone else but the guy who bought me my first set of plastic clubs." He tapped in for par on 18 and finished at +4. The moment ended with an emotional embrace on the 18th green in front of an estimated 45,000 spectators.
The Moment Goes Viral, Divides Golf Purists
The clip of Joe Russell crossing the ropes reached 5 million views on X within two hours of the tournament ending. "Father's Day" and "Miles Russell" trended globally. Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee called it "the most human moment we've seen at a U.S. Open in a decade." World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler said he watched it on a screen during his warm-up and was struck by Russell's poise Yahoo Sports.
Not everyone was charmed. Some traditionalist commentators argued the 18th hole of a major should not be used for what they called "exhibition-style stunts." Critics pointed out that a player in contention for the title would never have been allowed to do the same thing — raising questions about a double standard Newsday. The USGA has not commented on whether this sets a policy precedent.
What Comes Next for Russell's Rising Career
By finishing as a top amateur, Russell earns exemptions into several high-profile events in 2027, fast-tracking a likely professional debut. Marketing experts say the viral moment will boost his value for Name, Image, and Likeness deals — sponsorships available to elite amateurs — with brands like Rolex and TaylorMade seen as natural fits WBAL.
Russell's story is already drawing comparisons to the early careers of Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth. In 2024, at just 15, he finished T20 at a Korn Ferry Tour event — a professional circuit one level below the PGA Tour. At 17, he has now made the cut at a U.S. Open and captured the attention of the entire sports world in the process Winnipeg Free Press.
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