Part-time Uber driver qualifies for U.S. Open, describes feeling as 'awesome'

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Berry Henson always imagined moments like this. He's at the U.S. Open, playing practice rounds with Phil Mickelson and soaking up whatever information he can get for his first major championship against the best players in the world.

He just didn't imagine it would take him 20 years. He didn't plan on playing on more than a dozen tours at home and abroad. He grew up near Palm Springs, went to college in San Diego and now has a home base in Thailand.

He has a second job as an Uber driver.

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Berry Henson prepares to field questions at the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club, Monday, June 12, 2023, in Los Angeles.  (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

And on Thursday morning, at age 43, his name will be called on the 10th tee at Los Angeles Country Club to tee off in the U.S. Open.

"I'm kind of starting my journey," Henson said. "It sounds weird — 43, starting your journey — but I've never given up. I've always tried to get 1% better. That's kind of been our motto. That's the road I'm on right now. And it just happened a little bit later. And we're just going to keep doing it until I can't go anymore."

This is one of the great appeals of the U.S. Open, the major that truly lives up to its name. The USGA accepted a record 10,187 entries. Twenty of them at LACC had to start in 18-hole local qualifiers at 109 golf courses, and they were among 530 players who advanced to 36-hole qualifiers for the right to get to Beverly Hills.

"It's really fun to have the opportunity to come play the biggest tournament in American golf," said Olin Browne Jr., one of those 20 players. "I