Henderson soldiers through ‘tough summer’
After loss of both grandfathers, golf star draws on their memories for inspiration
REGINA Brooke Henderson has come to grips with unexpected challenges away from the golf course.
The Canadian sensation has performed on the LPGA Tour this season while dealing with the deaths of both her grandfathers.
“It has been a really crazy, weird and tough summer,” Henderson said at the Wascana Country Club after Tuesday ’s practice round for the CP Women’s Open.
“I feel like once I get inside the ropes I can let that go. I know that my two grandpas, who did pass away, they’re always cheering me on and looking on from heaven.”
Henderson withdrew after the first round of the U.S. Women’s Open on May 31 to be with her family after Bob Moir died at the age of 81. She lost her other grandfather, Clem Henderson, on Aug. 5. He was 85.
Now Henderson and her caddy — her older sister, Brittany — take part in the Tour while thinking of their grandfathers.
“It gives me that little bit extra boost and maybe they kick the ball into the fairway or something like that,” Henderson said.
“I feel like I’ve been able to handle it very well so far. Hopefully I can continue to finish this year really strong and then look forward to a well-deserved break after the season is over.”
Henderson has already enjoyed a strong year. She heads into her seventh CP Women’s Open ranked sixth among the LPGA moneywinners with $945,881.
She’s coming off her best round of the year — a nine-under par 63 in Sunday ’s final round of the Indy Women in Tech Championship.
“To see those putts go in and make birdies, shoot minus-nine, and finish strong on Sunday was really important to my confidence and my momentum coming into this week,” Henderson said. “All weeks are different, but hopefully that can lead me into a solid round on Thursday.”
Henderson may also be able to draw upon support from the large galleries that are sure to accompany her throughout the tournament.
On Tuesday, Henderson drew the largest crowd of any golfer in the 156-player field.
“It’s really hard to believe,” she said. “Growing up and watching the Canadian Women’s Opens as a fan, I admired everybody there. Now to be in that position on the first tee and to look out to see the whole grass outside the ropes covered by people is really cool.
“I have to pinch myself and wake up a little bit. Hopefully I can play my own game and give them something to be excited about.”
There has been a great deal of excitement due to what the 20-yearold Henderson has accomplished since turning professional in 2015.
She is already one of the most successful golfers in Canadian history, with six LPGA wins — including one major — on her resumé.
Henderson is more than a competitor in the field. She has been featured in most of the promotional material since the CP Women’s Open was awarded to the Wascana Country Club.
She was in Regina with LPGA Tour veteran Lorie Kane in June as part of a media event to promote the 72-hole tournament. Henderson, a participant in Wednesday’s pro-am, seemed overwhelmed by all the attention.
“To see the billboards … I blush a little bit because I’m a little embarrassed,” Henderson said.
“It’s unreal because playing on the LPGA Tour every week is a dream come true. To come here where I’m the centre of the attention is a highlight and I will remember moments like this forever.”
CLIPPINGS: Bobbi Brandon, an assistant professional at Saskatoon’s Moon Lake Golf and Country Club, was one of four players to play her way into the CP Women’s Open via Monday’s qualifier at the Royal Regina Golf Club. Brandon shot a two-over-par 74 to qualify. Brandon joins Saskatoon’s Anna Young as the two Saskatchewan products in the field. They are among 16 Canadians in the event ... The total purse is US$2.25 million, with the winner collecting $337,500 ... All four rounds of the tournament are to be televised live on the Golf Channel ... A total of 1,300 volunteers have stepped forward to help with the event.