US Open: Russell Henley's performance at Torrey Pines proves he's not your average underdog

Russell Henley plays his shot from the 17th tee during the first round of the U.S. Open Golf Championship, Thursday, June 17, 2021, at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego. Picture: AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA – Russell Henley is the kind of rank-and-file Yank everyone tends to dismiss when they see his name pop up periodically on a major championship leaderboard – a Ricky Barnes for a new generation, if you will.

In a sport where fans tend to prefer pedigree over underdogs, Henley is the kind of player the populace generally wishes would “do the right thing” and leave the weekend stage to the big boys.