Berry Henson has revealed how he was an Uber driver just five weeks ago as the American moved into contention at the 2021 Hero Open.
The 42-year-old produced arguably the round of the opening day as he battled 30mph winds to card a bogey free five under par at Fairmont St Andrews.
Henson, who is still awaiting his maiden European Tour title, overcame a delay of over three hours on Friday to record his second successive 67 to sit at ten under, two shots adrift of halfway leader Justin Walters.
Henson carded an eagle at the 12th but ran up a double bogey at the next - his only dropped shots at the event so far - before reaching the turn with birdies at the 15th, 17th and 18th.
Another gain at the fourth saw him join Walters and first round leader Calum Hill at the summit at nine under. Walters nudged ahead before Henson joined the South African on double figures at the top and briefly held the lead on his own.
Walter surged in front but Henson was delighted with his opening two rounds in Fife, and spoke about his experiences during the coronavirus pandemic.
"I have to be honest, it’s the best two rounds I’ve put together in these types of conditions in my career," Henson said.
"I don’t get to play much of this too often. As golfers we probably say we hit four good shots a round, I feel like I’m hitting quite a few in these conditions – which you have to do because there isn’t much room for error out here this week in gusty conditions.
"I haven’t played much golf in the last two years. Shoot, I was driving Uber five weeks ago. So to be out here competing on the European Tour…I was driving Uber and now this week people are watching me play golf. I’m just enjoying being out here.
"The alter ego… back home everyone calls me the Hensonator. They tell me to go Hensonate them. That’s what I’ve been doing in these conditions. It’s just fun, I like to have fun and joke around.
"I have to keep my mind busy, that’s the type of person I am. I can’t sit at home and not do something that’s earning money – it’s not that I needed the money – but I needed to feel like I had a purpose.
"That gave me an option when I went home and I had great conversations – so, any of my Uber passengers out there who are saying ‘I know that guy’: what’s up?"
