Miles Russell gave his father a memorable Father's Day gift during the final round of the U.S. Open on Sunday. The 17-year-old pulled his dad, Joe, under the ropes to serve as caddie for the 18th hole at Shinnecock Hills.
Russell, from Jacksonville, Florida, is competing in his first U.S. Open. He posted rounds of 72, 71, 74 and 70 to finish at seven over par and place in the top 40.
The swap occurred midway down the 18th fairway. Russell's regular caddie, Ramon Bescana, stepped aside after clearing the change with USGA officials that morning. Joe Russell, who shoots in the high 70s and low 80s, carried the bag for the final hole.
Russell had a 38-foot birdie putt on the green. He declined his father's green-reading advice and two-putted for par. The idea came from fellow Jacksonville golfer Steve Wheatcroft, who did the same at the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach.
"I don't know if it's sunk in yet, but it was pretty special," Russell said afterward.
