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Russell Henley of the United States prepares to play a shot on the 18th hole during the third round of the Travelers Championship 2025 at TPC River Highlands on June 21.
Russell Henley is surging into contention at the 2025 Travelers Championship, and once again, a big part of his success comes down to the steady presence on his bag–caddie Andrew Sanders.
After firing a sizzling 9-under 61 in the third round at TPC River Highlands, Henley sits just a few shots off the lead heading into Sunday’s final pairing. With Sanders by his side, his momentum is building at exactly the right time.
Here are five things you need to know about the man helping drive Henley’s climb.
1. Sanders Has Caddied for Proven PGA Tour Winners
Before teaming up with Henley, Sanders had already built a strong reputation on Tour. He caddied for major champion Jimmy Walker, including during Walker’s win at the 2013 Frys.com Open.
He also worked with Jason Schultz, giving Sanders a deep résumé that helped him land a spot with one of today’s top players. His early career wins helped lay the foundation for what would become a high-level partnership with Henley.
2. He Was a Competitive Golfer Himself, But His Career Was Cut Short Due to MS
Sanders isn’t just reading greens, he’s walked plenty of them as a player himself. He played collegiate golf at the University of Houston and qualified for the 2000 U.S. Open at just 20 years old. While he didn’t make the cut, the experience gave him a valuable player’s perspective.
But not long after turning pro, Sanders was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis–a life-altering moment that forced him to step away from playing competitively at 25 years old. The disease caused periods of vertigo, fatigue, and vision problems, making high-level golf unsustainable. Rather than leave the sport, Sanders shifted focus and became a caddie.
3. He and Henley Have Already Won Big Together
Russell Henley embraces his caddie Andy Sanders on the 18th hole green after winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard 2025 at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course on March 09.
The Henley-Sanders partnership began to pay off quickly. In 2022, they claimed victory at the World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba, with Henley cruising to a commanding four-stroke win. But the bigger moment came earlier this year at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, where Henley stormed back to win with help from Sanders’ cool under pressure. A clutch eagle on the 16th hole–set up by a perfect read from Sanders–was the turning point that sealed the win.
4. He’s a Cincinnati Native with Deep Golf Roots
Sanders hails from Cincinnati, Ohio, where he emerged as a top junior golfer before earning a scholarship to the University of Houston, where he was a two-time All-American and individual conference champion. His early connection to golf and hometown pride underscore the steady foundation he brings to the bag. That Cincinnati grit has carried through to his caddie work, providing Henley with a calm, confident presence rooted in a lifetime around the game.
5. Grounded by Family and Recharged on the Water
Away from Tour life, Sanders lives a relatively private existence. He is a devoted husband to Megan and a father to their two children, Finley and Grant. He also finds peace in his favorite hobby–fishing.
His Instagram features photos of tranquil waters and fresh catches, offering a glimpse into his off-course calm. That balance between intense competition and quiet family moments helps Sanders stay mentally sharp and emotionally steady. Qualities that serve him and Henley well under final-round pressure.
Alyssa Polczynski Alyssa Polczynski is a multimedia journalist covering Major League Baseball for Heavy.com. She has experience as an editorial producer for MLB.com and contributed to the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR). More about Alyssa Polczynski
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