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Russell Henley finished in a tie for second place at the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut this past weekend. A commendable decision cost him a shot at the win.
Henley self-reported a penalty on an inconsequential shot during his second round of play. At the time, he didn’t realize that the extra stroke would loom so large.
The PGA Tour veteran got off to a solid start with a -2 on Day 1 of the tournament. He followed it up with another -2 on Friday. His lone blemish on the front nine during Round 2 was a bogey on the par-three No. 8.
Henley’s first shot found the rough. As he lined up for his second shot, he noticed his ball move. That movement had no benefit to the golfer, who swung through to find the green. Still, he was adamant about taking a penalty.
“I felt like it was the right thing to do.”
On the 8th hole Friday, Russell Henley called a one stroke penalty on himself. His response to a question about the incident highlights the beauty of self-governance in golf. pic.twitter.com/bzIgEooM7g
— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) June 22, 2025
“When I took the club back, I saw the ball move a dimple to the right,” he recalled. “When it happened, it kind of shocked me a little bit, but I still hit the shot. As the ball’s rolling on the green, I’m thinking, ‘Something just happened there.’
“I knew that the ball moved. I just felt like it was the right thing to do… There’s no intent there. I didn’t really benefit at all… but that’s part of the game.”
As he entered Saturday’s third round, he sat at -4 on the weekend. He’d then shoot -9 to move into contention for the top spot. Russell Henley would wind up finishing the tournament at -14 after shooting one-under on Sunday, one shot behind leader Keegan Bradley.
The self-reported penalty ended up being the difference between second place and a potential playoff. While that might sting now, it earned the respect of many of his viewers.
“This showcases the integrity and self-governance central to golf,” wrote one fan. “This is why I love golf,” said another. “That honesty and integrity are at the core of this great game.”
Unfortunately, the decision came at a potential $1.4 million expense. The winner of the Travelers Championship, Keegan Bradley, banked a $3.6 million payout. After finishing in a tie for second, Russell Henley earned $2.16 million. While it’s still a pretty penny, he probably would’ve like to have the extra dough!