The Liverpool native, who turned 25 on May 24, did anything but. A 2-under-par 68 has him atop the leaderboard, one shot in front of Argentina's Angel Cabrera after 18 holes of the year's second major. At least for the time being, life is good.
Sometime not that long ago, his life was an ongoing party. He was one of the fortunate ones. He survived. And changed.
"I was a young man, and young men have fun," he explained. "I don't regret it. Because now I know the right way to run my life, and how to go about my professional career and get the most out of it. I [also] know what not to do.
"It's nice to go out and shoot a round like that. Because the gods are saying, 'You deserve to play better.' The U.S. Open is brutal. It tests every aspect of your game, and mentally as well.
"Obviously, the thunderstorm [on Wednesday] softened it up nicely. I'm sure come Sunday, it will be crusty and firm and extremely difficult."
Dougherty started playing at age 4. He won his first tournament 2 years later, an under-14 event. Later, he caught the eye of Nick Faldo and became his protégé. He's won once on the European Tour, in 2005. He was also an accomplished flautist; he began playing when his dad, a big-time Beatles fan and friend of Pete Best, the group's original drummer, traded in one of Paul McCartney's first guitars to buy it. Hardly seems like a fair swap.
"I don't know why he did it," Dougherty said. "Can you imagine me asking for a flute? The general idea was I was young at the time. He said, 'When you're on tour, it will entertain you. You'll be able to sit in your room and play.' I don't play anymore. I feel kind of bad. TGI Friday's is much more fun. You win some, you lose some, don't you? If I win this, I'll buy him something nice, [like] a house."
It sure makes for a nice first-day story. Reality suggests he won't remain a factor for too long. For now, though . . .
