Overview
- Russell qualified for the 2026 U.S. Open with Charlie Woods caddying during final qualifying at BallenIsles, but he confirmed this week that Charlie will not carry the bag at Shinnecock Hills.
- The decision was announced on a local media call and relayed by Golfweek and national outlets, which reported that Ramon Bescansa will serve as Russell’s caddie at the championship.
- Bescansa has coached Russell since he was six years old and has prior caddie experience at Shinnecock Hills, having worked on the bag there in the 2018 U.S. Open.
- Coverage notes Shinnecock Hills is one of the hardest U.S. Open venues, so Russell’s move favors an experienced, steady presence over the junior friendship that paired him with Charlie during qualifying.
- Russell’s choice highlights the tension between personal support and competitive strategy for a 17-year-old amateur making his major debut and also keeps Charlie Woods available to focus on his own development after missing qualification.