Russell Henley is still troubled by his dismal performance in the Wyndham Championship two years ago. He was pleased with his 8-under 62 on Thursday, which gave him the early lead in the final tournament before the FedExCup Playoffs on the PGA TOUR.
Henley had a 30 on the back nine of the rain-softened Sedgefield Country Club after hitting his approach shot to 6 feet for eagle on the 15th par-5. Adam Svensson and Byeong Hun An, who birdied his final two holes, were trailing him by one.
In the FedExCup standings, Henley is ranked No. 34, Svensson No. 37, and An No. 52. They are guaranteed a spot in the top 70 players-only Playoffs. They might be advancing further in the FedExCup Playoffs.
Adam Scott does not enjoy that luxury, so his opening 65 was significant. Currently ranked 81st, he needs a strong finish to save his season. Likewise, Justin Thomas, who is ranked 78th for both the FedExCup and the Ryder Cup, could only manage a 70.
Henley benefited from escaping the morning’s light but persistent rain, which Scott, Thomas, and other early starters had to deal with. Henley rode a scorching putter and only missed two fairways, which is a good combination for this course.
Henley missed a playoff by one shot two years ago despite having a three-shot lead heading into the final round and being in command on the back nine. He made four bogeys over the final eight holes, including the 18th. He’s still bothered by it.
“I give it a lot of thought. I had a three-point lead going into the final round and was ahead of the field overall going into hole No. 11, but I was unable to complete the feat. That was a beneficial learning experience, and I believe it has improved my play overall. But for the time being, all I can do is fire one shot at a time.” Henley said.
A reduction from the 125 players that previously qualified for the FedExCup Playoffs was revealed in the summer of 2022. Although Scott doesn’t enjoy it, he knows how to get things fixed.
“I’ve tried my hand at the FedExCup Playoffs for many years, but eventually all of these kinds of things come to an end. I do, however, want to take home the trophy because if I do, I think I can have a strong run to East Lake.” Scott said.
Scott earned a trip to East Lake last year by tying for seventh in two playoff competitions.
For a birdie and a 64, Andrew Novak holed out from off the 18th green. Thomas Detry and Ludwig Aberg of Sweden, a former Texas Tech star who topped the list on the PGA TOUR University ranking to become a member, were among the group of 66. Aberg, who didn’t turn professional until June, is ranked 146th and needs to win to advance.
Thomas’ round complemented the grey day’s modest but consistent rain. He had two eagles, two bogeys, and eight pars, some of which were significant. But in order to enter the top 70, he must finish well; mathematically, he must place well (18th), while anything around 10th could be more secure. He is now ranked 78th.
The fact that Ryder Cup qualifying is completed in three extra events and six additional players are selected as captain’s choices increase the significance of the event. Zach Johnson could find it difficult to assess a player who has gone 15 months without a victory as there are no more tournaments.
“I performed well. I didn’t do anything particularly well, but I also didn’t do anything horribly. I didn’t anticipate playing 16 holes in the rain when I woke up this morning and took a look at the forecast. That’s unfortunate, especially given my current situation and the scores I require. Who knows, though, what the rest of the day will bring? Just a couple more scoring clubs that I could have used, I guess.” Thomas said.
Stephen Jaeger, who is ranked No. 64 overall, got off to a strong start in maintaining his position. Along with a sizable group that featured Billy Horschel and Brendon Todd, he started the round with a 67.
The majority of players who don’t make the playoffs will have to work extra hard to ensure that they remain among the top 125 players with full cards for 2024.
