The American Junior Golf Association is excited to announce the addition of the Russell Henley Junior Championship presented by Synovus to its 2025 schedule. The inaugural event will take place Aug. 29–Sept. 1, 2025, at Green Island Country Club in Columbus, Georgia, marking a special homecoming for Russell Henley, a former AJGA junior and current PGA Tour player.
Henley, who most recently won the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational, will host the event for the first time, providing top junior golfers with an elite competitive opportunity at a course known for its championship history and challenging layout. The event will feature 78 of the world’s top junior golfers competing in a 54-hole stroke play tournament. Prior to the tournament rounds, the Junior-Am will be held Aug. 29.
“What an incredible honor it is to bring an AJGA tournament to Columbus. Green Island is the perfect host venue and will present a great test of golf. To have my name associated with this junior event is very special to me and I want to thank all of those involved for their hard work in making it happen.”
Proceeds from the Russell Henley Junior Championship presented by Synovus will benefit Truth Spring, a Columbus-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational and community resources to underserved areas. The event’s partnership with Truth Spring further solidifies its commitment to making a lasting impact beyond the golf course.
“We are excited to partner with the AJGA. This event will be an opportunity to show players and families the beautiful, challenging venue at Green Island Country Club as well as the vibrant riverfront scenes of Uptown Columbus. Columbus has a rich history of successful junior and amateur golf, and the community is excited. Having the support of our partners, especially Synovus, Russell Henley and the Green Island membership is paramount, and to involve critical community objectives like Truth Spring is icing on the cake.”
During his junior career, Henley competed in four AJGA events, including the 2006 FJ Invitational. His AJGA career was highlighted by a T4 finish at the 2006 Golf Pride Junior Classic. He won two Georgia Amateur titles (2008 and 2009), finished fourth at the 2010 Porter Cup and posted a seventh-place finish at the 2010 Southern Amateur. Henley found success at the University of Georgia, where he matched the school record for college wins (seven) and received the 2010 Haskins Awards during his junior season.
“The American Junior Golf Association is thrilled to host the Russell Henley Junior Championship presented by Synovus this year. This event not only honors Russell Henley’s incredible journey from junior golf to the PGA Tour but also provides young athletes with an elite competitive platform to showcase their skills. We’re excited to partner with Synovus, Green Island, and the local community to make this tournament a memorable experience for all participants”
Green Island Country Club, a premier golf course in Georgia, has long been a staple in the state’s golf scene. Designed by George Cobb and Joe Lee, the course opened in 1961 and is set among the rolling hills just off the Chattahoochee River. Known for its Southern Open-style layout and demanding test of golf, Green Island will provide a dynamic challenge for competitors. Green Island has a rich tournament history, serving as the host site for the Southern Open from 1970 to 1990.
“As the Head Golf Professional at Green Island Country Club, I cannot express how excited I, our staff, and our members are to host the Russell Henley Junior Championship, presented by Synovus this coming Labor Day weekend. This entire event already has a family atmosphere, just by the way the community and Green Island members have opened their arms for these players. With Green Island’s rich tournament history, a challenging “Southern Open” style layout, and strong field, this event will be something no one will want to miss.”
For more information on the Russell Henley Junior Championship, please visit ajga.org or contact Houston Denney (hdenney@ajga.org) in the AJGA Tournament Business Affairs Department.
About the AJGA
The American Junior Golf Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf. The AJGA provides valuable exposure for college golf scholarships and has an annual junior membership (boys and girls, ages 12-19) of more than 9,000 members from 50 states and 51 foreign countries. Through initiatives like the Liberty National ACE Grant, a financial assistance program, and Leadership Links, a service-oriented platform that teaches juniors charitable-giving skills, the AJGA fosters the growth of golf’s next generation.
TaylorMade and adidas are the AJGA’s Global Sponsors, supporting the AJGA for more than 25 years. TaylorMade has served as the Official Ball of the AJGA since 2016. adidas has been the Official Apparel and Footwear of the AJGA since 2017. Rolex, in its fourth decade of AJGA sponsorship, became the inaugural AJGA Premier Partner in 2004.
AJGA alumni have risen to the top of amateur, collegiate and professional golf. Former AJGA juniors have compiled more than 1,000 victories on the PGA and LPGA Tours. AJGA alumni include Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel, Collin Morikawa, Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Tiger Woods, Paula Creamer, Jessica Korda, Nelly Korda, Cristie Kerr, Stacy Lewis, Inbee Park, Lexi Thompson and Rose Zhang.