Brooke Henderson thrives under the pressure and attention of competing in Canada’s LPGA tournament. The two-time champion of the CPKC Women’s Open demonstrated her comfort with the spotlight in both the 2018 event in Regina and the previous year in Mississauga, Ont.
Expressing her excitement for the tournament, Henderson acknowledged the unique energy and support she receives from Canadian fans. She emphasized the positive impact that their enthusiasm has on her performance, fueling her motivation to deliver her best golf and create thrilling moments for the spectators.
The 28-year-old golfer from Smiths Falls, Ont., is gearing up for her home tournament at Edmonton’s Royal Mayfair Club, where she aims to secure her third victory and defend her title. Reflecting on her past successes, Henderson recalled the significance of her 2018 win and the emotional experience of celebrating with her family and friends on the course.
As the CPKC Women’s Open kicks off, Henderson ranks 11th among the top 25 players in the field, which features six of the world’s top 10 golfers, including American standout Nelly Korda. Henderson’s recent strong performances in major championships have boosted her confidence, with notable finishes in the Women’s PGA Championship and the Evian Championship.
Off the course, Henderson has enjoyed personal milestones, such as becoming engaged to Ricky Castro, a pitching prospect for the Minnesota Twins, and becoming an aunt. These experiences have contributed to a sense of relaxation and freedom in her game, enhancing her focus and performance.
The tournament in Edmonton sees Henderson leading a group of 15 Canadians among the 156 professionals and amateurs competing on the challenging course. The event marks the 52nd edition of the CPKC Women’s Open in Canada since its inception in 1973, with past champions such as Lydia Ko returning to vie for another title.
Ko, a three-time winner of the tournament, highlighted the importance of the event in her career, recalling how it played a role in her success, including an Olympic gold medal win. Despite concerns about rainy weather and mosquito presence, the golfers are prepared to tackle the course and compete in front of enthusiastic crowds, aiming to create memorable moments in the tournament’s storied history.
