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Mark Hensby holds overnight clubhouse lead
Mark Hensby went from sleeping in his car to the U.S. Masters driving seat on Thursday, firing an opening round three-under 69 to claim the clubhouse lead at the year's first major.
The 33-year-old Australian has travelled a long and winding road to get to Augusta, the trip including a two-week stop in the parking lot of the Cog Hill Golf Club in 1994 where he lived in his car.
However, Hensby was all smiles as he finally arrived at golf's big time just one shot back of American Chris DiMarco, who was a four-under through 14 holes when play was halted due to poor light.
"You never forget where you come from, there's no doubt about that," Hensby said.
"The ultimate goal in my career is to win a major. I've always wanted to win a major, that's been my ultimate goal since I was a kid.
"Do I have the game to do it? I don't know.
"But you keep trying, you don't give up a dream. The bottom line is you never forget the struggles you go through.
"I think that makes you stronger in a way."
Since turning professional in 1995, Hensby has spent much of his career bouncing around golf's minor leagues, mostly on the Nationwide Tour.
He made it up to the PGA Tour once before in 2001 only to drop back down the following year.
Hensby returned to the main tour last season and made sure there would be no going back, winning his maiden PGA event at the John Deere Classic and finishing 15th in the money rankings.
For Hensby the concern now, however, is not where he came from but where he's going.
"The quality of this field is unbelievable and if you play well, you can definitely get it done around here," explained Hensby, who finished in a tie for 68th at his only other major appearance at last year's PGA championships.
"I played really well today, hit a lot of greens and putted really well.
"When I did get into trouble, I pretty much got it up-and-down. Overall I'm just really enthused with the way I played.
"There's obviously still a long way to go."
With 63 players returning to complete their rain-delayed opening rounds on Saturday morning, Hensby will enjoy the luxury of something he could not afford early in his career -- a good night's sleep in a comfortable bed.
"It's definitely an advantage getting done, I don't have to get up real early and I don't have to come out and play anymore holes," Hensby added.
"As an Australian this is the biggest event to watch for us and the hardest to get into. It's just a thrill to play here.
"As a kid you dream to play in this event." |
