LPGA: Henderson rested ahead of Open

MILTON KEYNES, ENGLAND— Lydia Ko and Brooke Henderson got timely breaks before the Women’s British Open.

Ko and Henderson were both off last week while many top players competed in the UL International Crown team matches in Illinois.

The 19-year-old Ko visited France for a promotional event for her upcoming title defence in the Evian Championship and took some tourist time in London before arriving at Woburn Golf Club.

The 18-year-old Henderson, of Smiths Fall, Ont., had played nine straight weeks on tour.

“And then I also added another two-day event in there, as well,” Henderson said. “So 10 weeks in a row, but it was fun. It did get a little bit tired, but I just rested on my days off, Monday and Tuesday, a little bit more than normal.”

The second-ranked Canadian successfully defended her title in Portland, Ore., and won the KPMG Women’s PGA for her first major victory during the stretch. She has learned to listen to her body.

“I think it also taught me a lot about how I’m feeling when I’m just that little bit fatigued or I’m just not feeling my best,” Henderson said.

“I think it really helped my game to improve.”

The tournament is the fourth of the LPGA Tour’s five major championships.

English star Charley Hull is playing on her home course.

“It’s pretty cool that it’s at Woburn,” Hull said. “It’s nice to be home. I remember being very excited when it was announced two years ago but the time has flown by since then. I’m really looking forward to it.”

The 20-year-old Hull has recovered from the asthma attack that kept her out of one of the four-ball matches last week in the UL International Crown.

U.S. Women’s Open champion Brittany Lang is still adjusting to her playoff victory at CordeValle.

“It’s a new world,” Lang said. “It’s definitely tiring. There are a lot more demands. It’s a new world for me but I’m just excited to get going for the British.”