THE 152ND OPEN

July 21, 2024

Russell Henley

Mixed Zone

Q. Good week.

RUSSELL HENLEY: Yeah, I played solid. Played really well today. Hit the ball well again. The front nine, I was a little off on judging some of the wind on some of my lies. The first few holes I didn't really give myself great birdie looks when I could have on some scoring holes. Other than that, I was really steady. Just didn't make a ton from around 20 feet. Maybe I should have just hit it a little closer.

Q. That feeling of being in contention in a major like you were, it's something that stays with you?

RUSSELL HENLEY: Yeah, it does. I feel like I had a chance most of the day. It was just great to feel like I was in control of my game under pressure, feeling uncomfortable in an uncomfortable style of golf I haven't really played well before, so just gives me a lot of confidence.

Q. Your thoughts about the winner, about Xander?

RUSSELL HENLEY: Yeah, he's obviously playing awesome. He's always a steady player. Not really surprising. Happy for him, and he obviously played great.

Q. For the fans at home, can you explain the difference between what you did here and what you do at home in terms of the course?

RUSSELL HENLEY: I don't know if I can in one sentence, but I would say every lie, every shot is just so different. You have to be willing to play shots you're not comfortable with. Sometimes the wind is blowing really hard right to left I've got to feel like I'm hitting a slice to straighten it out, and you have to be willing to be creative.

Q. Do you have more of a feeling of freedom here than you might at home?

RUSSELL HENLEY: No, I feel very uncomfortable here. I do.

Q. Why?

RUSSELL HENLEY: I've never played well here. It's just completely different than what we play at home, firmer turf, slower greens, wind is stronger. It's just a completely different ballgame.

Q. How about the enjoyment level?

RUSSELL HENLEY: I think over here kind of your game plan, what you normally have at home, hitting mostly stock shots, is kind of thrown out the window. You kind of have to be able to play those creative shots, and I enjoy that.