Brooke Henderson clinched her 14th victory on the LPGA Tour, but her second win at the CPKC Women’s Open holds special significance for her. Henderson carded a 4-under 67 in the final round on Sunday to edge out Australia’s Minjee Lee by one stroke and secure the Canadian national women’s golf championship. This triumph marked the end of a more than two-year dry spell, making the title even more prestigious for Henderson.
Reflecting on her win, Henderson expressed, “This victory feels exceptionally special due to the lengthy gap between wins, making it a memorable moment. Winning the CPKC Women’s Open for the second time holds a unique place in my heart.” In 2018, Henderson also claimed victory at the Women’s Open at Wascana Country Club in Regina, becoming the first Canadian since Jocelyne Bourassa in 1973 to win the national championship, thus achieving this feat twice within seven years.
Notably, this win further solidified Henderson’s position as the winningest Canadian professional golfer in history. Henderson shared her excitement saying, “This week has been phenomenal. Securing the trophy again feels surreal. I vividly remember waking up the day after my 2018 win, thinking I still had to play the final round. I hope that nightmare doesn’t repeat itself.”
Henderson and Lee had been tied for the lead after the third round on Saturday at 11 under, three strokes ahead of the competition. The final pairing of Henderson and Lee drew massive crowds due to Henderson’s popularity in Canada and Lee’s impressive career with 11 LPGA Tour victories, including this year’s Women’s PGA Championship.
Acknowledging the challenges she faced during her victory drought, Henderson revealed, “There were moments of doubt and difficulty. However, with the unwavering support of my family, I persevered. Breaking through again is incredibly exciting.” As a result of her recent win, Henderson is projected to climb to 26th on the LPGA Tour’s points list, positioning her for upcoming prestigious events in October and November.
Looking ahead, Henderson expressed her enthusiasm, “I am thrilled for the upcoming season and what lies ahead. Securing this victory ensures my spot in the CME Group Tour Championship, which was uncertain before.”
Lorie Kane, a fellow Canadian Golf Hall of Famer who witnessed both of Henderson’s Women’s Open victories, emphasized the need for Henderson to receive greater recognition for her accomplishments. Kane remarked, “Brooke’s 14 victories deserve more acknowledgment. Let’s focus on celebrating her successes rather than nitpicking.”
Additionally, fifteen-year-old Calgary native Aphrodite Deng finished tied for 20th as the tournament’s low amateur with a 2-over 73 round, showcasing promising talent at a young age.