Henley feeds off fellow PGA Tour rookies at Sony
- By Jason Sobel
- Jan 11, 2013 12:20 AM ET
HONOLULU – Russell Henley has played a lot of golf with recent fellow college grads Scott Langley and Luke Guthrie. It’s just that those rounds didn’t come as a PGA Tour member.
This time, he was competing alongside them in the big leagues – and the familiarity certainly helped.
In the first round of his rookie season, Henley posted a 7-under 63 to claim second place at the Sony Open, behind only Langley on the leaderboard.
“I think there were a lot of nerves for me the first few holes, and I think playing with Scotty and Luke was huge for me,” the University of Georgia product said. “Watching them play well kind of gave me a goal to try to keep up with them, so it was definitely fun feeding off them.”
Henley posted eight birdies at Waialae Country Club on Thursday, but it was hardly his first taste of professional success. Two years ago, he won a Web.com Tour event while still an amateur, and last year he won twice to easily claim his Tour card.
Related Articles
Close the deal like Henley
by Tyrus York, SwingFix instructor | Jan 14, 2013 10:00 AM ETRussell Henley was in total control in winning the Sony Open, and SwingFix pro Tyrus York has some tips to help you finish rounds in equally strong fashion. Read More
Hawk's Nest: Take it easy
by John Hawkins | Jan 14, 2013 9:08 AM ETBefore you hand Russell Henley the keys to golf's kingdom, keep in mind the shortcomings of some predecessors. Read More
Dawn of Henley
by Ryan Lavner | Jan 13, 2013 10:16 PM ETLooking like anything but a rookie, 23-year-old Russell Henley won the Sony Open in record-setting fashion in his PGA Tour debut. Read More
Sobel has covered golf since 2004 and provides columns, blogs, chats for Golf Channel.
Latest News
- SCORING: Bradley holding lead | Mobile Bay LPGA
- Venturi dies at 82 | Twitter reaction | Photos
- Palmer, Nicklaus release statements on Venturi
- G-Mac bests Colsaerts in Volvo quarters | Results
- Colsaerts' drive results in bathroom drop | Video
- Bradley keeps Nelson lead | Rd. 2 at a glance
- Korda leads Mobile Bay LPGA through 36
- McIlroy leaves agent, forms firm | Timeline
- Only one Irish team to compete at World Cup
- Howell hoping for U.S. Open berth via OWGR
- USGA to announce anchoring news Tuesday
- Open qualifying: Men's local | Women's sectional
- Instruction: Improve your thought process
