WITB: Russell Henley – Houston Open
Russell Henley burst on to the scene with victory on his PGA Tour debut at the 2013 Sony Open and was tipped for greatness.
He bagged his second PGA Tour win with victory over Rory McIlroy at the 2014 Honda Classic but things had dried up since.
At the time both players were wearing Nike clothing and using Nike clubs. The clothing has stayed the same but the rest, as they say, is history.
While McIlroy has dabbled with TaylorMade, Callaway and Titleist since Nike pulled out of the hardware game, Henley signed a full bag and ball deal with Titleist.
This was Henley’s seventh start since signing that deal so it appears the transition has been a smooth one for the 27-year-old.
It’s no surprise to see him gaming all of of Titleist’s latest gear with the 917 driver and fairway, 716 irons and SM6 Vokey wedges.
“I was lost with my swing and questioning everything,” said Henley on his disappointing two years.
“I think that happens when you play against the best players in the world.”
And that will continue this week after he grabbed the last spot at Augusta.
“It hasn’t quite hit me yet that I’ve earned a spot to the Masters,” added Henley.
“I tried to go into it with the mentality that I could do it and win it. And I started to believe it.”
What’s in the Bag: Russell Henley
Driver: Titleist 917 D2, 8.5˚ (Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana D+ 80TX shaft)
Fairway: Titleist 917 F2, 15˚ (Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana D+ 80TX shaft)
Utility iron: Titleist 716 T-MB, 3-iron (Mitsubishi Rayon Kuro Kage S Tini 100TX shaft)
Irons: Titleist 716 AP2 4-9, (True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 shafts)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM6, 46˚, 50˚, 54˚, 58˚ (True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100/S400 shafts)
Putter: Scotty Cameron Tour Rat Concept 2 Prototype
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
Apparel and shoes: Nike
More information can be found on the Titleist and Nike websites.
Titleist 716 irons: Behind the tech with Steve Pelisek
Equipment: Titleist 716 AP2 irons review
Equipment: Titleist 716 AP1 irons video review
James Savage
Former equipment editor of NCG. Inconsistent ball-striker and tea-maker.
