Why is Tiger Woods' son Charlie Woods at U.S. Open Final Qualifying today?
Charlie Woods takes surprise caddie role for Miles Russell at 2026 U.S. Open Final Qualifying.
Charlie Woods has taken on a headline role at Final Qualifying for the U.S. Open today, caddying for fellow teenage standout Miles Russell during Golf’s “Longest Day” at BallenIsles Country Club in Florida.
Across 10 global venues, players are competing over 36 holes in a single day for a place in the 2026 championship at Shinnecock Hills, with just a handful of spots available at each site.
U.S. Open Final Qualifying is one of golf’s most punishing tests, where major championship dreams can rise or fall in the space of a few hours.
At BallenIsles, however, attention has shifted firmly onto the unusual pairing of two of the game’s most highly rated juniors.
Woods, the son of three-time U.S. Open champion Tiger Woods, is not playing in the qualifier after failing to progress through his local stage.
Instead, he has stepped inside the ropes in a different capacity, supporting Russell as his caddie.
Russell enters the event as the world’s top-ranked junior and one of the most closely watched amateur prospects in the game.
Already a two-time AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year, he made history by becoming the youngest recipient of the award at 15, further underlining his rapid rise through the junior ranks.
The connection between the two teenagers extends beyond this week’s competition.
Woods and Russell are close friends, share the same management representation, and are both verbally committed to Florida State for 2027.
Their parallel development has made them two of the most talked-about names in elite junior golf.
Both Woods and Russell regularly practice and play tournaments together in 2026.
While Woods is not in the field, his presence remains notable.
The 17-year-old American continues to build his own competitive résumé and recently qualified for his third consecutive U.S. Junior Amateur, maintaining a steady progression through top-level junior events.
For Russell, having a familiar face and close friend on the bag adds a layer of comfort in one of the most intense environments in amateur golf.
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Andy Roberts first joined GolfMagic on a month's work experience back in April 2011.
Andy then assumed the role of GolfMagic Editor in 2015.
