Russell Henley Calls Penalty on Himself at Travelers Championship, Says It Was a ‘Teaching Moment’ for His Son

In a rare and honorable display of sportsmanship, PGA Tour veteran Russell Henley called a penalty on himself during the 2025 Travelers Championship—an act that could cost him hundreds of thousands, if not millions, in prize money and FedExCup points.

Henley, 35, was in strong contention heading into the final stretch of Sunday’s round at TPC River Highlands. While lining up a short putt on the 12th hole, he noticed his ball had slightly moved after he had grounded his putter. The infraction went unnoticed by officials and his playing partners, but Henley didn’t hesitate.

“I saw it move. It was barely anything, but it moved,” Henley told reporters after the round. “No one else saw it, but I knew it did. So I had to call it.”

The self-imposed one-stroke penalty ultimately dropped Henley from a potential solo third place to a tie for seventh, a swing of over $400,000 in earnings. But for Henley, the decision was about more than money or leaderboard position—it was about integrity.

“It’s the right thing to do. The rules are the rules, and if my son’s watching, I want him to know that doing what’s right matters—especially when no one’s looking,” Henley said.

Henley and his wife have two young children, and he noted that being a role model for them is more important than any trophy or paycheck.

“It’s a teaching moment,” he added. “In life and in golf, your character is tested when you think no one will notice. But you still have to be accountable.”

The golfing world quickly reacted to Henley’s decision with an outpouring of respect and praise. Fellow PGA Tour players, including Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, posted on social media applauding his honesty. “What Russell did takes guts and class,” Spieth wrote. “That’s what this game is all about.”

The PGA Tour has long prided itself on being a player-policed sport where integrity and sportsmanship are foundational values. Henley’s decision reminded fans and fellow professionals alike that those principles still run deep.

While the penalty may have cost him financially in the short term, Henley’s display of character has earned him something money can’t buy: respect. And perhaps, in the eyes of his son, a new kind of trophy.