Born and raised in Macon, Georgia, where he prepped at Stratford Academy; he was inducted into the Stratford Academy Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017.

Also played point guard for the Stratford Academy basketball team. Until the end of Henley's high school career, he typically only played golf "five or six times" during basketball season -- which usually ran from October through February.

Self-taught, Henley has played guitar since he was eight years old. Through PGA TOUR opportunities, has played onstage with O.A.R. (2015 Genesis Invitational), Keith Urban (2015 CVS Health Charity Classic), and Darius Rucker (2014 RSM Classic).

Bucket list includes skydiving, visiting Italy and winning the Masters.

Established an annual AJGA event -- Russell Henley Junior Championship -- at Green Island Country Club in Columbus, Georgia in 2025.

Since 2015, has hosted the Five Star Kevin Brown and Russell Henley Celebrity Classic in his longtime hometown of Macon, Georgia each September. The event raises money for the Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia, Macon Volunteer Clinic, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Supports Truth Spring -- a faith-based nonprofit organization in Columbus, Georgia. Truth Spring has an academy, trade school, and housing initiative. According to its website, Truth Spring's mission is to "develop and strengthen the North Highland community with Christ-centered projects and strategies."

Wife, Teil Duncan Henley, went to Auburn University and is an accomplished contemporary artist whose paintings and prints are sold all over the world through her personal brand -- Teil Paintings and Patterns; she paints out of a studio in their backyard in Columbus, Georgia. Additionally, Teil published a book -- "The Color Teil: Life, Work, and Inspiration" -- in 2019 which showcased more than 300 of her works, and served as the illustrator of "Ordinary Love", a children's picture book published in 2020.

Father, Chapin, passed away in July 2024 at the age of 85. Chapin was a distinguished OBGYN who earned his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University, followed by seminary at Emory University, and medical school at University of Florida. Chapin notably founded the Macon Volunteer Clinic, where he offered free healthcare to the working uninsured of Macon-Bibb County -- and later expanded to include upwards of 15 counties. Chapin was also known to volunteer for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together.

In the final month of his senior season at University of Georgia, won the 2011 Stadion Classic at UGA, a Korn Ferry Tour event played annually from 2006 through 2013. Followed Daniel Summerhays (2007 Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship) as the second amateur winner in Korn Ferry Tour history, and followed Chris Couch (2001 Florida Classic) and Kevin Stadler (2004 Lake Erie Charity Classic) as the third sponsor exemption to win a Korn Ferry Tour event. Henley earned the sponsor exemption as Georgia's scoring average leader at the time it was awarded.

Played four seasons at University of Georgia (2007-11), where he earned eight individual victories, breaking Chris Kirk's school record of seven career wins. Notably earned individual medalist honors at the 2010 Southeastern Conference Championship, becoming Georgia's first conference champion since Brendon Todd in 2004, and was named the 2010 SEC Player of the Year, becoming the fifth Georgia player to earn the award and the first since Chris Kirk in 2006. Also garnered a 2010 All-America First Team selection, All-America Second Team honors in 2008 and 2009, along with All-SEC First Team laurels in 2009 and 2010.

Winner of the 2010 Fred Haskins Award, one of the three national player of the year awards in college golf. Notable recipients of the award include Ben Crenshaw (1971-73), Curtis Strange (1974), Jay Haas (1975), Phil Mickelson (1990-92), David Duval (1993), Justin Leonard (1994), Stewart Cink (1995), Tiger Woods (1996), Luke Donald (1999), Patrick Cantlay (2011), and Justin Thomas (2012).

College teammates in his four seasons at University of Georgia (2007-11) included PGA TOUR winners Harris English (four seasons -- 2007-11), Brian Harman (two seasons -- 2007-09), Keith Mitchell (2010-11 season), Patrick Reed (2008-09 season), and Hudson Swafford (three seasons -- 2007-10).

Shared low amateur honors with Scott Langley (both finished T16) at the 2010 U.S. Open, contested at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Qualified for match play at the 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship at Erin Hills, where he fell to eventual runner-up Patrick Cantlay in the Round of 32.

Represented the United States at the 2011 Walker Cup; his teammates included Patrick Cantlay, Harris English, Patrick Rodgers, and Jordan Spieth.

Represented the United States at the 2010 and 2011 Palmer Cups, with the 2010 edition of the event being contested at Royal Portrush Golf Club.

Reached the Round of 16 at the 2005 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, where he fell to eventual champion Kevin Tway.

Two-time winner of the Georgia Amateur Championship, which traces it history back to 1916, when 14-year-old Bobby Jones won the inaugural title. Henley won the 2008 title at Idle Hour Club in his longtime hometown of Macon, and successfully defended his title in 2009 at Country Club of Columbus. Henley's college teammate and fellow future multi-time PGA TOUR winner Harris English won the 2007 title and finished runner-up to Henley in 2008. Other notable past champions of the Georgia Amateur Championship include Tommy Aaron (1957, 1960) and Brian Harman (2005).

Represented the United States at the 2007 Toyota Junior Golf World Cup in Japan; his teammates included future PGA TOUR winner Andrew Putnam.

Won the 2006 Georgia Junior Championship at The Landings Golf and Athletic Club in Savannah, Georgia. Other champions of the event include Brian Harman (2002, 2003) and Greyson Sigg (2011).

Competing in the Georgia Independent Athletic Association (GIAA -- separate from the Georgia High School Association), won three Class AAA individual state titles (2004, 2005, 2006) and led Stratford Academy to two team state titles (2004, 2005).