Russell Henley graduated from Stratford Academy in Macon in 2007 and played college golf at the University of Georgia where he won the 2010 Haskins Award.
Until Sunday, his biggest PGA Tour victory was the Honda Classic 11 years ago.
He hadn’t won on tour in three seasons.
But after a key chip-in for eagle on the 16th hole at Bay Hill in Orlando on Sunday, Henley turned a one-shot deficit into a one-shot lead. His pars on 17 and 18 secured Henley’s ‘red jacket’, the award handed out to the winner of the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill.
It marked his first victory since 2022, when he capped off a four-shot victory over Savannah Christian alumni Brian Harman in the World Wide Technology Championship.
Henley opened the Arnold Palmer Invitational with an even-par 72 Thursday and followed with a 68 (-4) on Friday, earning a weekend tee time. On moving day, Henley shot -1 on the front nine before a -4 back nine, including birdies on holes 10, 11, 12, 13 and 16 to finish with a 67 (-5).
Henley — who lives in Columbus and frequently practices at the Country Club of Columbus when home — finished one shot ahead of Collin Morikawa (-10). While at Stratford, Henley won the state’s low medalist award in 2004, 2005 and 2006 and was the star point guard on the basketball team.
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