Teen LPGA sensation full of confidence
Henderson hopes to finish in 2017’s top five after stellar second season
It was one of those years that would make for a feel-good TV movie.
What 19-year-old Brooke Henderson accomplished during her second season on the LPGA Tour was amazing. The small-town girl from Smiths Falls, Ont., was sensational, winning a coveted major — the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, along with another tour event (the Cambia Portland Classic for the second straight year) — and at one point, even rocketed to second in the Rolex women’s world golf rankings. She was eighth by season’s end. With valuable experience in her rear-view mirror, she’s looking to make waves again in 2017.
“Last year, my goal was to have my world ranking in the top 10. I did that,” said Henderson from Florida, where she is practising and training. “Being second, it was amazing. Knowing that I’ve been so close to that No. 1 spot, that kind of gives me a little extra motivation. I hope to finish in the top five this year and slowly make my climb toward the No. 1 spot — that would be success for me.
“Lydia Ko’s been at No. 1 for a long time. The players that have been No. 1 before, it takes a lot of hard work and determination. You also need some breaks here and there. I believe it’s possible. I believe I can be No. 1.”
Henderson was home for almost a month before leaving for Florida late Christmas Day.
Henderson gets back into the swing of things for a tour event the last week of January in the Bahamas, taking forward plenty of lessons learned in 2016.
“I’ve been working on my short game for a long time. Wedges last year were really important to me. I feel because of the work I put in last year, I’m getting closer to having a really awesome wedge game, which you really need on the LPGA Tour. My driving improved a lot. The first half of the year, I was averaging about 270 yards. That’s really good for a girl who’s 5-foot-4. I’m hoping in 2017 I can continue to work on the little things that, hopefully, will make a difference in my all-around game.”