UGA Sports Communications
June 20, 2010
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. --- Georgia's Russell Henley came in 16th on Sunday in the 110th U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
Henley finished at 8-over-par 292, eight shots behind champion Graeme McDowell. Henley closed with a 2-over 73 on Sunday, posting four birdies, four bogeys and a double bogey.
"I would not trade anything in the world for this experience," said Henley, whose gallery included his parents, Chapin and Sally, and Georgia coach Chris Haack. "This was everything I dreamed it would be. It's every golfer's dream to play in the U.S. Open. I am proud of the way I played. This is something I'll never forget."
Henley, whose brother Adam served as his caddie, and NCAA medalist Scott Langley of Illinois were the only amateurs who made the cut, and they wound up tied. The group at 16th also included the likes of Lee Westwood and Jim Furyk.
For the four-day tournament, Henley had an average driving distance of 292.33 yards. He hit 44 of 72 greens and 34 of 56 fairways and needed 119 putts.
Next up for Henley is representing the United States in the Palmer Cup in Portrush, Northern Ireland, Thursday through Saturday. The Palmer Cup pits the top amateurs from the United States and Europe in a Ryder Cup-style competition.
In other golf news, former Georgia All-American Chris Kirk won the Nationwide Tour's Fort Smith Classic on Sunday. Kirk finished at 16-under 264 at the Hardscrabble Country Club for his first professional victory. Kirk took over the top spot on the Nationwide Tour's money list and secured his spot on the PGA Tour next year.
