Second Russell Henley Junior Championship Set to Kick Off

By Tyler Fitzgerald, Pinnacle + Synovus

For the second consecutive year, the Russell Henley Junior Championship presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners will be held at Green Island Country Club in Columbus, Georgia. This year’s American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) tournament is slated for September 4-7, kicking off first with an 18-hole qualifier on September 3.

Featuring a field of 78 amateur golfers ages 12 to 19, the tournament’s 54-hole stroke play format gives each competitor a chance to earn a resume-building, prestigious victory. AJGA events are widely considered an important circuit for college golf recruitment and national exposure, while USGA championships, such as the U.S. Junior Amateur, carry comparable prestige.

Last year marked the inaugural tournament eponymously named after Pinnacle + Synovus brand ambassador Russell Henley, who is a Columbus resident and six-time PGA TOUR winner.

AJGA Senior Regional Director, Southeast, Houston Denney says Green Island Country Club's commitment was recognized nationally when the tournament earned the AJGA's “Newcomer of the Year” award for 2025, adding the association would like to continue elevating “the event into one of the must-play events that players and families eagerly anticipate each year." 

Henley, en route to becoming a four-time All-American at the University of Georgia and 2010 Haskins Award winner, rose through the amateur ranks by appearing in four AJGA events. His best finish occurred at the 2006 Golf Pride Junior Classic, where he tied for fourth. According to Henley, playing in AJGA tournaments prepared him for winning two Georgia State Amateur championships, in 2008 and ‘09. Prior to that, Henley was named the Georgia State Golf Association’s (GSGA) Player of the Year in 2005 and ’06.

“To have my name associated with this [AJGA] event is very special to me and I want to thank all of those involved for their hard work in making it happen,” says Henley, in his 14th season on the PGA TOUR. “I am incredibly honored.”

Adds Denney: “This event would not be possible without the commitment and support of Russell Henley, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Green Island Country Club and the Columbus community. Green Island’s dedication to creating an exceptional experience for AJGA players and their families has helped make this tournament one of the premier events on our schedule.”

Those attending can expect a fun, family-oriented atmosphere throughout the tournament. That spirit is reflected in the strong connection between the Green Island Country Club community and the competitors, with club members encouraging a welcoming environment. Admission is free and open to the public. Depending on club rules, fans and families are generally allowed to walk the course, staying on cart paths or in rough areas while maintaining safe distances from the play.

It goes without saying that it’s a community event Pinnacle + Synovus is proud to support.

“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,” says Green Island Country Club Director of Instruction Matt Heitmueller. “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.”

No stranger to tournament play, Green Island Country Club hosted the Southern Open (initially starting as the Green Island Open Invitational), a longtime PGA TOUR stop between 1970-1990; the Georgia Junior Championship; GSGA Junior Tour events, among others.

“I think it’s wonderful to bring the AJGA tournament back to Columbus,” says Henley, who won the Charles Schwab Challenge in May. “Green Island, with its history, is the perfect host venue and will again present a great test of golf.”