Updated, 8 p.m.

By Michael A. Lough

The Sports Report

centralgasports@gmail.com

           A year ago, Russell Henley opened the British Open at Royal Liverpool with a double bogey, en route to a 73 and a missed cut.

          Two years ago, Henley had two bogeys within the first six holes at St. Andrews, but survived to make the cut and finish tied for 62nd.

          The tournament has not been a good one for Henley.

          But the trend may be reversing, Henley turning in a 2-under 69 for a share of fourth after the first round Thursday.

          Henley was done at 9:30 a.m. EST, and was among four tied for second at that point as the 156-player tournament rolled on, dozens having yet to start. Justin Thomas was one up for the early lead.

          Daniel Brown ended the day in first at 6 under, one up on Shane Lowry and three up on Thomas. Henley is tied with six others at 2 under.

          Defending champ Brian Harman, another Georgia Bulldog, finished 2 over and tied for 42nd, along with Jon Rahm and 25 others, including Jason Day, Patrick Cantlay, Collin Morikawa, and Phil Mickelson.

          A bogey-free round wasn’t in the cards for Henley, but he held off until No. 9, after four straight pars to go with two birdies. He was steady throughout the back nine, a birdie on 12 to go with nothing but pars.

          The 69 is only his sixth sub-70 round, in his 10th Open.

          Henley temporarily shared the lead once on the front nine and once on the back, but never fell out of the top 10. It was a steady round with some near misses and nice saves, Henley avoiding trouble, despite finding rough or native areas five times.

          Nothing is for certain. Henley opened the 2018 Open with a 69, but imploded with an 80 and missed the cut. He went home early in 2021 despite a respectable 70-72=142 effort.

Henley tees off at 9:26 a.m., Eastern Time, on Friday. USA Network picks up coverage at 4 a.m.