FedEx Cup Playoffs: Russell Henley Splashes Barefoot Shot to Avoid Bogey

Newsweek

18 hours ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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The FedEx St. Jude Championship is heating up in Memphis, and while Tommy Fleetwood made headlines with four consecutive birdies to close out his second round, it was Russell Henley who delivered the most jaw-dropping moment of the day.
On Friday, at Hole No. 3, Henley found his ball resting precariously on the edge of the water at TPC Southwind. But instead of taking a drop, the 36-year-old Georgia native kicked off his shoes, rolled up his pants and stepped inside the water.
PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 19: Russell Henley of the United States plays his second shot on the 17th hole during Day Three of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July...
PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 19: Russell Henley of the United States plays his second shot on the 17th hole during Day Three of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 19, 2025 in Portrush, Northern Ireland. (Photo by) More
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What followed was a fiery splash shot that stunned fans and commentators.
"Oh, how good is that out of the water?" one announcer exclaimed in disbelief, as captured in a video posted by PGA Tour on X. Henley saved par on that hole, keeping himself in contention to continue the battle.
Shoes are optional, right Russell? 😅 pic.twitter.com/gVvMrMF1dl — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 8, 2025
Henley entered the FedExCup playoffs in strong form. On Thursday, he posted a 4-under 66 in Round 1, trailing leader Akshay Bhatia by four strokes. Bhatia had fired a career-best 8-under 62, while Fleetwood followed closely at 7-under par.
On Day 2, he started his round at 1:45 p.m. ET alongside Justin Thomas with a par on the opening hole.
The five-time PGA Tour winner's season has been quietly impressive. He won the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March and has logged nine top-10 finishes, including a T2 at the Travelers Championship and T10s at both the U.S. Open and The Open Championship.
Now Henley's consistency has pushed him into the top six of the U.S. Ryder Cup standings, putting him in line for an automatic spot on Team USA for the showdown at Bethpage Black this September.
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