Brooke Henderson thrives under the intense scrutiny she receives at Canada’s LPGA tournament. Being a two-time CPKC Women’s Open champion, Henderson has demonstrated her ability to handle the added pressure of playing in her home country. She sees the enthusiastic fan support as a source of motivation that fuels her performance on the course.
As she gears up for the upcoming tournament at Edmonton’s Royal Mayfair Club, the 28-year-old golfer from Smiths Falls, Ontario, aims to secure her third victory and defend her title. Henderson fondly recalls her past wins in 2018 and last year, highlighting the emotional significance of those moments, especially with her family and friends celebrating alongside her.
Ranked 11th in the world, Henderson’s recent strong performances in major championships have boosted her confidence. She credits her improved game to a renewed sense of freedom and relaxation, partly influenced by personal milestones like becoming an aunt and getting engaged to Ricky Castro, a prospect with the Minnesota Twins.
Joining Henderson at the CPKC Women’s Open are 14 other top 25 golfers, including world No. 1 Nelly Korda. The tournament also features promising Canadian talents like 17-year-old Anna Huang, who has been on a winning streak in the Ladies European Tour.
The historical significance of the CPKC Women’s Open in Canada is not lost on players like Lydia Ko, a three-time champion, who returns to chase a fourth title. Ko, reflecting on the impact of the tournament on her career, emphasizes its special place in her heart.
Despite rainy conditions in Edmonton leading up to the event, players are preparing for a mix of sun and clouds with potential showers. The unique challenges posed by the weather, such as dealing with mosquitoes, add an interesting dimension to the competition. Nevertheless, the excitement surrounding the tournament remains high, with past attendance records hinting at the growing popularity of women’s golf in Canada.
