Seventeen-year-old Miles Russell punched his ticket to the 2026 US Open at Shinnecock Hills, with Charlie Woods serving as his caddie during the 36-hole qualifier in Florida. Russell, ranked as the world's No. 10 amateur, survived a bogey on the first play-off hole to secure the fourth and final qualifying spot. When asked about Woods potentially caddie for him at the championship, Russell remained non-committal.

The qualifying event was part of "golf's longest day," with 10 final qualifying tournaments held simultaneously across the US and Canada. 715 players competed for just 43 spots in the 126th US Open. Notable names who failed to include former Ryder Cup players Tony Finau and Max Homa, both missing out on qualifying for the first time in several years. Finau was eliminated by two shots.

Russell's achievement stands out among a field that saw several other notable players miss out, including Ireland's Seamus Power and England's Matt Wallace. The qualifying process began with local events at 108 sites across the US, Canada and Mexico. Russell's US Open spot represents a significant breakthrough in his young career, particularly with the high-profile pairing with Charlie Woods during his qualifying run.