Positive news off course sparks Russell Henley's day at Masters

Russell Henley received uplifting news Friday at the turn of his round at the Masters, and his 1-under-par performance on the back nine was proof of his elation.

Henley’s wife, Teil, gave birth to Robert, the pair’s first child, on Tuesday. Their son's head began to swell slightly and he was admitted into the NICU where doctors monitored his condition.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Henley was still unsure if he’d play in the tournament.

“I didn’t think I was going to be able to make it,” Henley said after Thursday’s round. “The swelling in his head was getting worse and worse. I’m thankful to be here.”

After a bogey at No. 9 Friday, Henley’s brother-in-law relayed the message that Robert and Teil were released from the hospital in Charleston, S.C., and were able to go home.

PHOTOS: Second round at the Masters Tournament

“I’m just happy that there’s no more issues and that he can go home. It’s been crazy just the ups and downs of it," Henley said. "It’s been a roller coaster, but I’m thankful that the doctors say he’s OK and that there’s no more issues.”

The news likely took Henley’s focus away at No. 10, where he recorded a double bogey that dropped him to 4-over for the tournament, and a bogey at No.14 dropped him to 5-over.

Henley then stuck his second shot onto the green at the par-5 15th before knocking in an eagle putt from 82 feet. He followed that at No. 16 with a long birdie putt, and he closed his round with a birdie at the 18th to finish even for the day and stay at 1-over for the tournament.

“It’s nice to have a solid finish,” Henley said. “I knew it would come around at some point, I knew I was playing well, I just had to stay patient.”

Henley is tied for 23rd, 10 shots behind leader Patrick Reed.

Friday’s strong finish has him encouraged for the weekend.

“I feel like if I play my game and I hang around, I’m capable of playing with these guys,” Henley said. “I’ve done it before, I’ll do it again.”