Brooke Henderson embraces the pressure of playing in Canada’s LPGA tournament. As a two-time champion of the CPKC Women’s Open, Henderson has demonstrated her comfort with the added scrutiny she receives during her national event. She views this week as a significant and special occasion, drawing motivation from the enthusiastic fans who come out to support her.
The golfer from Smiths Falls, Ontario, aims to secure both a repeat victory and a third win at her hometown tournament, commencing this Thursday at the Royal Mayfair Club in Edmonton. Reflecting on her past successes, Henderson fondly recalls the thrill of winning the tournament in 2018 and again in the previous year, with her sister by her side on the bag for the latter victory.
Competing in the $2.75 million US CPKC Women’s Open, Henderson faces stiff competition from six of the world’s top 10 golfers, including the current world No. 1, Nelly Korda. Ranked 11th among the top 25 players, Henderson has enjoyed a successful season, securing top-three finishes at prestigious events like the Women’s PGA Championship and the Evian Championship.
Following a tie for 29th place in the AIG Women’s Open in Britain, Henderson is eager to build on her recent strong performances. She credits her engagement to Ricky Castro and her new role as an aunt for bringing a sense of calmness and freedom to her game, which has translated into improved results on the course.
Henderson leads a group of 15 Canadians participating in the CPKC Women’s Open alongside 156 professionals and amateurs. Among them is 17-year-old Anna Huang from Vancouver, who recently triumphed at the Ladies European Tour tournament in London. As the 52nd edition of the Canadian tournament dating back to 1973, this year’s event in Edmonton marks a significant milestone in women’s golf.
The tournament, returning to Edmonton for the fourth time and hosted at the Royal Mayfair for the third time, holds special memories for past champions like Lydia Ko. Ko, a three-time winner of the event, acknowledges the pivotal role the tournament played in shaping her career, including her success at the Olympic Games.
Despite rainy conditions in Edmonton leading up to the tournament, both Henderson and Ko are prepared to battle mosquitoes during the event. While the weather forecast predicts a mix of sun and clouds with potential showers, the golfers are taking precautions to ward off the pesky insects and focus on their game.