Miles Russell may never be able to top this Father’s Day gift.
The 17-year-old amateur had his father, Joe, caddie for him on the 18th hole in a special moment as Russell closed out his first-ever U.S. Open and first major appearance.
Russell cleared the move with the United States Golf Association rules officials, and when the moment presented itself, he surprised his dad with the opportunity on the 18th.
Russell’s caddie, Ramon Bescansa, walked over to the rope, where Joe was, and handed him the caddie bib before the father and son walked down the fairway on the final hole of the U.S. Open.
“It was pretty cool. Just there walking up 18, that’s when he stepped in,” Russell said. “It was kind of a fun Father’s Day gift. Kind of cool since it was my first one. Hopefully it’s something he’ll remember for a long time.”
The amateur golfer also told ESPN that it was an idea first suggested to him by former pro golfer Steve Wheatcroft and the moment was pulled off after he shot a 72-71 on Thursday and Friday to make the cut by two strokes.
Russell told the Worldwide Leader that his dad had meant “everything” to him during his young golf career and that “he was always there.”
“Without him, I don’t know, I probably wouldn’t be here,” he said.
Russell finished the U.S. Open at 7-over and had shot for par on the final hole with his dad on the bag.
“It was a pretty special week,” he said about his experience at the U.S. Open. “Just to be here was really special, and to make the cut was kind of bonus points. I didn’t quite have my best stuff the last two days, but still really cool. Just a great experience.”
