By Andrew Blair

Bethesda, Md. - More than likely, spectators surrounding the 18th hole didn't know that amateur Russell Henley was going to be tied for low-amateur honors heading into the weekend at the U.S. Open.

But following the completion of his second round at Congressional Country Club, the 22-year-old had generated rock-star like excitement, and the gallery was ready to demand just about everything from his golf bag.

Playing to the crowd from the early moments, Henley, a recent University of Georgia graduate, obliged, tossing his golf glove, golf balls - even a banana - to the hungry masses as he passed the grandstands adjacent to the 18th green. Basically, the Macon, Ga., resident gave away just about everything but his golf clubs and shoes on his way to signing his scorecard (he managed to retain possession of that, too).

Apparently, the attention accompanies tying for low amateur honors near the halfway point, a distinction he shares with UCLA rising sophomore Patrick Cantlay.

"I had a couple of balls and a glove, but good gosh - I think I have to go back to the hotel and get a few more," Henley said with a laugh.

The excitement all started after Henley made birdie at the par-3 seventh, then two-putted for par one hole later. Coming off the green at No. 8, he started to turn up the surrounding throng's "golf applause," raising his arms and palms in the air as if to indicate, 'Louder, louder.'

Even par headed to the ninth hole, he made birdie at the long par 5 to turn in one under. Amid continued Bulldog barks from the gallery that are normally reserved for Georgia football games, he drained birdie putts inside 6 feet at Nos. 11 and 16 to card a roaring 2-under-par 69. He was tied for 15th place when play was suspended on Friday evening at 8:04 p.m. Sharing that same spot is fellow amateur Patrick Cantlay, who recently completed an All-American freshman season at UCLA.

"I think those fans were kind of looking for something to go after, and I just tried to give that to them," Henley admitted. "I think that definitely did loosen me up a bit."

Henley admits he enjoys playing in front of large crowds and the population at Congressional will undoubtedly swell over the weekend.

"I've always liked a crowd. It almost makes me feel like my attitude is better because there are kids out there and I just want them to look up and be like, 'Wow, that's what I want to be like.' I think it definitely brings out the best in me."

Making his second U.S. Open start, uniquely, getting the crowd into the action has apparently become a part of his game. Last year at Pebble Beach, he got the spectators excited at the eighth hole and wound up tying for 16th place to share low-amateur honors with Scott Langley. This week, he's trying to become only the third amateur since World War II to be low amateur in back-to-back years at the Open. Those two players are Phil Mickelson and Jack Nicklaus.

"I don't have anything to lose. I'm playing for fun. That's what's great about playing as an amateur," said Henley, who has earned an exemption into the second stage of PGA Tour Qualifying School by making the fall. "I mean, [Saturday] is moving day and hopefully I can go out there and keep making some putts. I'm putting great, keep giving myself chances and will try to go low."

Beyond his ability to muster applause seemingly with something as innocuous as the raise of a putter, Henley also possesses plenty of game. He won the Nationwide Tour's Stadion Classic at UGA on his home course in early May, becoming just the second amateur to win an event on that circuit. (Daniel Summerhays won in 2009) In June, Henley secured his spot in the Open by surviving a four-hole playoff in the sectional qualifier at Hawks Ridge Golf Club in Ball Ground, Ga. He also happens to be making a strong case to play for the USA in the Walker Cup in September.

For the time being, a little more excitement on the weekend couldn't hurt.

"You only live once," Henley smiled. "You have to enjoy it."

Andrew Blair is the director of communications for the Virginia State Golf Association. He is assisting the USOPEN.com editorial team at the U.S. Open this week.