Charlie Woods caddied for Miles Russell during U.S. Open qualifying. This week at Shinnecock Hills, someone else has the bag, and Russell's own words explain exactly why.

 17-year-old Russell spoke to reporters on Wednesday, June 17, ahead of his first U.S. Open start at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York. He confirmed his swing coach, Ramon Bescansa, will caddie for him this week instead of Woods.

Also, Russell leaned on Bescansa's course knowledge in preparing for the week. "My coach caddied here in 2018, so he's pretty familiar with the way it played," Russell said. "He's kind of been my source and my experience. He'll help me and just kind of guide me around this place."

Bescansa offers more than just a familiar face. He teaches at the Glen Kernan Club in Russell's hometown of Jacksonville and has experience caddying at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club.

He worked for Russell Knox during the 2018 U.S. Open, where Knox finished tied for 12th, his best result in a major championship.

Russell earned his spot in the championship after surviving a 3-for-2 playoff for the final position at U.S. Open Final Qualifying at BallenIsles Country Club in Florida. He is the youngest qualifier in this year's field.

The nation's top-ranked junior golfer described his approach to this week as no different from any other tournament. "I'm just trying to come here and play good golf and see where my game lines up with some of the best players in the world," he said.

Woods, meanwhile, will be watching from outside the ropes.

Charlie Woods Fell Just Short of His Own U.S. Open Qualification

Charlie Woods, the son of Tiger Woods, came very close to qualifying for the championship. He missed advancing to the final stage by just one place.

The two will not play on the same course this week, but they are likely to meet again soon. Both have committed to attend Florida State University and will play there during the 2027 season.

Russell, a two-time AJGA Player of the Year, became the youngest recipient of that award at 15, breaking a record previously held by Tiger Woods. Five months later, he became the youngest player in history to make the cut in a Korn Ferry Tour event.

He has spent time around several PGA Tour stars this week, including Bryson DeChambeau and Jordan Spieth. "He's great," Russell said of DeChambeau. "He stopped what he was doing, came over, and said hi and just chatted for a minute. It was pretty cool."

Do you think Miles Russell will make the cut in his first U.S. Open start? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Sneha Abraham

Edited by

Ankita Yadav