Wyndham Clark, Miles Russell receive Father's Day surprises on 18th hole at US Open
Father's Day at the U.S. Open is already a special occasion for golf-loving dads, but for newly minted two-time champion Wyndham Clark and world No. 1-ranked junior Miles Russell, the 18th hole at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club presented unforgettable memories in the home stretch of Sunday's final round.
The third major of the professional golf schedule, which is always scheduled for the third Sunday in June, marked a truly unique Father's Day celebration for two dads on the course in Southampton, New York.
Miles Russell surprises dad to caddie final hole of US Open
Miles Russell's father Joe Russell was standing along the rope line as his 17-year-old son prepared to complete his U.S. Open debut, when caddie Ramon Bescansa tagged him in and handed him his bib and golf bag.
According to the NBC broadcast, Miles Russell reached out to the USGA rules officials Sunday morning before the round and got clearance so that if the situation arose, his dad could get on the bag for the final hole -- but his dad said he had no knowledge of the plan.
"It was kind of a fun Father's Day gift," Miles Russell said, according to the PGA Tour, adding, "Hopefully it's something he'll remember for a long time."
Miles Russell said the recommendation for the surprise came from former pro golfer Steve Wheatcroft, ESPN first reported.
Wyndham Clark wins 2nd U.S. Open title in front of his dad
Clark battled the elements of the William Flynn-designed course -- and at times heckling fans -- to hold his lead playing alongside world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and seal his second U.S. Open victory with a two-putt par finish on the aptly named "Home" 72nd hole.
Clark got the surprise of a lifetime from one extra special spectator who was waiting to celebrate with him: his dad Randall Clark, who flew in on a red-eye from Denver Saturday night to be there for the Father's Day round.
Randall Clark snuck up the other side of the green amid the initial handshakes, hugs and celebrations following his son's victory, and once his son turned around, he ran up to embrace him.
Sunday marked the first time Wyndham Clark has won in front of his dad on the PGA Tour, and the pair shared the stage for the trophy presentation.
"For him to surprise me was amazing, and so I can't wait to spend more time with my dad tonight and [celebrate] this, because it's not just my win," the younger Clark said in a press conference after the round.
Wyndham Clark won his first major, the 2023 U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club, by one stroke over Rory McIlroy and had a similar finish edging out the win at Shinnecock on Sunday by one stroke better than Sam Burns.
"The first one was kind of just the breakthrough of knowing I can do it, and then this one was a lot of redemption," he said. "Last year was so tough -- it's amazing what a year can do."
Scheffler, who was in the hunt for a career Grand Slam on his 30th birthday, shot even-par 70 to finish four back from Clark this year.
