Florida high school golf stars earn spots in 2026 U.S. Open field

The summer plans of Miles Russell and Giuseppe Puebla look a little different than those of most high schoolers this year.

When the 2026 U.S. Open Championship tees off on June 18 at Shinnecock Hills, the two 17-year-olds will be competing alongside many of the world’s best golfers for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles

Both secured their spots during Monday’s U.S. Open Final Qualifying at BallenIsles Country Club in Florida.

Puebla, the No. 2-ranked junior golfer in the American Golf Association, shared medalist honors with PGA Tour player Ben Silverman after posting 7-under 137. The Royal Palm Beach native is a member of the U.S. National Junior Team and is committed to play at the University of Florida in 2027 after completing his senior year at Florida Virtual School.

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Russell, the youngest qualifier this year, earned his spot after surviving a 3-for-2 playoff for the final spot in the Florida qualifier. Ranked No. 10 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, the Jacksonville Beach native is considered the top junior golfer in the country.

Russell also had a familiar face on the bag. Charlie Woods, the son of Tiger Woods, served as his caddie. The two share the same commercial agent and have developed a close friendship. They are also future teammates, as both are committed to Florida State University for the 2027 season.

While Russell and Puebla are among the youngest competitors in the field, they are far from the only recent high school stars.

One year ago, rising senior Mason Howell became one of the breakout stories of the U.S. Open after earning his spot as the youngest in the field. Now a recent graduate of Brookwood High School, Howell will return to the U.S. Open field alongside future University of Georgia roommate Hamilton Coleman.

Coleman, a graduate of Lakeside High School in Augusta, earned his first U.S. Open start after claiming the 2025 U.S. Junior Amateur title.

Another newcomer is Jackson Ormond, who earned his first U.S. Open appearance just two weeks after graduating high school. The 18-year-old posted 12-under 128 at Gaston Country Club on Monday and will head to the University of Florida this fall.

While Russell and Puebla prepare to tee it up alongside the world’s best golfers next week, their senior years of high school will have to wait.

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