Henley has some momentum entering U.S. Open
By Michael A. Lough
The Sports Report
centralgasports@gmail.com
After some middlin’ play, Russell Henley brings some juice into his 13th U.S. Open.
And that has him considered a favorite to contend at Shinnecock Hills in New York.
⛳Henley betting profile: U.S. Open
⛳One of these nine players will likely win at Shinnecock Hills
⛳Surprising predictions by golf model that's nailed 17 majors
⛳Sleeper Picks: Bet on Russell Henley, Tyrrell Hatton at Shinnecock Hills
⛳Why Henley could win the 126th U.S. Open
⛳Henley is an interesting option
After tying for 25th and 49th, Henley was efficient and solid in winning the Charles Schwab Challenge in a playoff. Then he finished strong to tie for 22nd in the Memorial.
Aside from a missed cut in 2022, Henley has finished in the top 30 in his last six U.S. Opens, peaking with a tie for seventh in 2024 and tie for 10th last year.
His last visit to Shinnecock Hills wasn’t an overly pleasant one after a nice start and share of the lead after a round. A 12-over 292, though, was good enough for a tie for 25th. Brooks Koepka won that one with a 1-over.
From ESPN’s Mark Schlabach:
“If hitting fairways and greens, making par, and avoiding big numbers is the test this week, I could see Russell Henley climbing up the leaderboard and winning his first major.
“Henley has learned to play well in the majors. He has six top-10s in the past 11 majors, including a tie for third at the Masters in April. He had back-to-back top-10s in the past two U.S. Opens and Open Championships.”
He tees off Thursday at 1:36 p.m. with Ben Griffin and Ryan Gerard.