Russell Henley Publicly Challenged by Amateur Golfer 16 Years His Junior During PGA Tour Showdown

Among the Ryder Cup stars is an underdog who is making as much noise at the Procore Championship. Teeing off at the Silverado Resort’s North Course in Napa Valley from September 11 to 14, the field is buzzing with 10 of the 12 Team US members. But that hasn’t stopped the 20-year-old Jackson Koivun from claiming his own spot at the event. After bringing the glory to the American Team at the Walker Cup, Koivun is ready to take on the 5-time PGA Tour champ Russell Henley, despite being 16 years younger.

With a stellar 6-under on round 2, the second-highest on the day, Koivun is sitting just three shots away from the lead. Tied alongside Koivun is none other than US Ryder Cup member Russell Henley. Both at 11-under, Koivun is making a bold statement in the field. Already matching the elites, Koivun radiated with confidence at the post-round interview. When asked what his plans were for the day, Koivun simply noted, “Yeah, I ran into Russell Henley on the range and told him I was going to catch him, so that was my objective.” That playful challenge reflects a mindset that one could gain only through years of experience.

Koivun showcased that beyond the mic, and well into the fields. The 20-year-old prodigy shot three birdies in 5 holes at the beginning of the round. Some of his most notable shots included a 30-inch tap-in eagle shot at the par-5 12th hole. Koivun himself couldn’t help but admire his shot: “That 3-iron was pretty good.” Another standout shot came with a 5-foot birdie putt on par-5 15th, recovering from a bogey at the 14th. His performance was even better than Henley’s on the second round, who could only get a 4-under score. Apparently, Koivun did catch up with Henley. Commenting on that, Koivun quipped, “I think we’re tied. We’ll have a little internal match going these next two days.”

Well, what’s that internal match? It isn’t an alternate shot match. Rather, it’s a side-quest for Koivun as he gets ready to take on Henley in the event. But why does Henley have such an important place in the amateur’s golfing career? Turns out the Ryder Cup star lives in Columbus, Georgia, just 30 miles from Auburn, where Koivun resides. The duo frequently meets up and competes against each other. The Procore Championship is the perfect opportunity for Koivun to go head-to-head against a pro he knows personally. That further sets him up for a promising career.

With his jaw-dropping amateur run, Jackson Koivun is hot on his heels, chasing his PGA Tour dream. Given his credentials, Koivun has already secured a PGA Tour card once he turns professional. Ranked No. 1 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), Koivun is already eyeing his pro run. “There’s a lot to learn out there. I’m trying to do it as quickly as I can before I turn pro, whether that’s the end of this year, end of next year. Just trying to fully understand what goes on inside the ropes,” Koivun remarked on staying prepared for the PGA Tour circuit.

He added, “I’m trying to become the best, and I’ve just got to keep putting myself in situations that I can perform well in, and practicing my tail off in the offseason or when I’m not competing just to get better.” Consequently, Koivun is putting him in these challenges against Ryder Cup stars to become the best golf has ever seen. His promising amateur run only makes matters better.

Jackson Koivun: From amateur stardom to pro potential

Jackson Koivun’s amateur run has been nothing short of incredible. Koivun received the 2025 Mark H. McCormack Medal, proving his place among the highest levels of amateur golf. Now, making his mark in the FedExCup Falls Series at Napa Valley, Koivun is shaking the professional circuit, too. He played a pivotal role in the 2025 Walker Cup, going 3-1 to help the U.S. team secure a convincing victory.

Beyond amateur events, Koivun has already tested his skills on the professional stage, finishing tied 5th at the Wyndham Championship, tied 6th at the ISCO Championship, and tied 11th at the John Deere Classic, while competing against some of golf’s elite. This year, Koivun has missed only one cut across 6 events at the US Open. In fact, with 2 top-10s on the PGA Tour this year, Koivun has been a powerhouse of consistency.

This extraordinary amateur run positions Koivun as a future star with enormous potential on the PGA Tour. He has not only competed with other top amateurs but has also teed alongside and against elite professionals. That includes JJ Spaun, the 2023 U.S. Open champion. At the Wyndham Championship, Koivun shared the field with other elite players, including Cameron Young, Mac Meissner, and Alex Noren. Koivun’s ability to excel even among seasoned pros demonstrates both his talent and his readiness to transition to the professional ranks. His disciplined approach and lessons from elite competition make him a player to watch.