Seventeen-year-old amateur Miles Russell earned a spot in the 2026 U.S. Open on Monday after a playoff victory at final qualifying in Florida, where Charlie Woods served as his caddie.
Russell shot rounds of 71 and 67 at BallenIsles Country Club to reach six under par and force a three-man playoff for the final two spots. He secured his place with a birdie putt on the second playoff hole. Russell and Woods, both 17 and committed to Florida State, have competed together in junior events. Russell described the experience as special and noted the light atmosphere with a friend on the bag.
