Russell Henley Surges in Final Round, Chasing Augusta’s Green Jacket

Russell Henley, a former member of the Georgia men’s golf team, surged into contention at Augusta. He won the 2010 Hawkins Award and was the low amateur at the 2010 U.S. Open.

Early tournament swings

Henley opened Thursday with a 73 and stood at plus-one after the round. Five birdies were offset by six bogeys that day.

On Friday he rallied on the back nine, shooting two-under there. He reached three-under through 16 holes but closed with consecutive bogeys to return to even par.

Weekend momentum

Saturday marked a turning point. Henley carded a bogey-free round with six birdies, moving to six-under for the championship.

He continued strong Sunday. Four birdies through the first eight holes made him just two shots off the lead.

Russell Henley Surges in Final Round, Chasing Augusta’s Green Jacket. Through nine holes on the final day he sat at ten-under, one stroke behind Cameron Young.

What’s at stake

A first major title on the pro circuit is within reach for Henley. He would join Bubba Watson as a former Georgia player to win the Masters.

Watson remains the only University of Georgia alumnus to claim the green jacket. He won in 2012 and 2014.

Other contenders

Rory McIlroy also looms as a headline name. He could become the fourth player to win back-to-back Masters titles.

No golfer has repeated since Tiger Woods in 2001 and 2002. Several names could still emerge in the final holes.

Market action and coverage

Kalshi is taking market positions on the outcome. Wagering interest rose as the final round unfolded.

Atlanta-based journalist Sydney covered this event. His reporting has appeared on SB Nation, Cox Media Group and Filmogaz.com.