Updated

Updated · ESPN · Jun 9

Miles Russell, Billy Horschel Clinch 2 of 43 U.S. Open Spots in 10-Site Qualifying

Updated

Updated · ESPN · Jun 9

Miles Russell, Billy Horschel Clinch 2 of 43 U.S. Open Spots in 10-Site Qualifying

Q: Will friend Charlie Woods caddie for Miles Russell at the U.S. Open, or is professional experience now required?

Charlie Woods is not required to be a professional caddie to work for Miles Russell at the U.S. Open, and as of now whether he will stay on the bag at Shinnecock Hills remains undecided. What is clear is that Woods did caddie for Russell in Monday’s 36-hole final qualifier at BallenIsles, and Russell successfully advanced to the 2026 U.S. Open through a playoff. The two are close friends, share an agent, and Russell said Woods helped keep the round relaxed. There is no indication in the available USGA-related information that a U.S. Open caddie must have professional experience or certification. The rules cited for qualifying say caddies are permitted and must be provided by the player, with requirements focused on conduct and dress rather than résumé. Examples from elite events also show non-professional caddies being used, including family members and former teammates. So the issue is not eligibility. Woods could caddie for Russell at the U.S. Open if Russell wants him to and Woods is available. But the reporting tied to Russell’s qualification says that decision is still “to be determined,” not finalized.

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jun 9

Forty-three players advanced Monday from 10 North American sectional qualifiers for the 126th U.S. Open, with 17-year-old Miles Russell and Billy Horschel among the most notable names to get through.
Russell, the world No. 10 amateur, survived a playoff in Florida for the fourth and final berth after making bogey on the first extra hole; fellow 17-year-old Giuseppe Puebla was the medalist.
Horschel emerged from an Ohio qualifier in a difficult season, while Tony Finau missed by two shots and will miss the U.S. Open for the first time since 2017.
Arni Sveinsson became the first player from Iceland to qualify for the U.S. Open, and several spots elsewhere were settled by playoffs, including an eight-man playoff in Canada.
Russell said Charlie Woods—who caddied for him in the 36-hole qualifier—helped keep the round light, but he has not decided whether Woods will be on the bag at Shinnecock Hills next week.