SHAW CHARITY CLASSIC
Ames lauds $10M goal; Henderson visits
One item on Brooke Henderson’s bucket list was to capture the CP Women’s Open.
But another one of her goals is to grow the game of golf, both nationally and globally.
“I think this game is such an amazing sport,” the 20-year-old said Monday as she chatted at the Shaw Charity Classic Women’s Day at Calgary ’s Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club. “I started playing when I was three. My greatgrandmother played until she was 90. It just teaches you so many valuable lessons. It’s a great game to pass down to other generations.”
Henderson showed just how much she loves the game Sunday when she shot seven-under-par 65 to send the country into a frenzy by becoming the first Canadian in 45 years to win a tour event on home soil.
But her greatest accomplishment is yet to come. The ripple effect of Henderson’s performances are sure to be felt by youngsters — male and female — across Canada for many years.
It shouldn’t be surprising, as Henderson has been a name to watch in golf since 2012.
“When I was 14, they started to say I was the ‘Face of Canadian golf,’ which is pretty crazy,” the Smiths Falls, Ont., native said with a chuckle. “But I feel like I’ve embraced the role a little bit better every year, just getting a little bit better at it.
“I remember being that little girl and having Morgan Pressel sign stuff for me. Or meeting Lorie Kane. Or Alena Sharp. Those moments were so special and I just try to pay it forward now.”
Everywhere she goes, the effervescent Henderson has a smile on her face and ensures she spends time with fans. She also takes pride in empowering women.
On Monday, she honoured her commitment with the Shaw Charity Classic and flew to Calgary to spend time with a group of Calgary ’s top female professionals and local athletes at the event’s annual Women’s Day.
“Over the weekend, there were tons of young girls and little boys, cheering for me and giving me high-fives between the tee boxes,” she said. “Just to see the smiles on their faces. When I sign an autograph or take a picture with them, they ’re just so happy. I feel like this win will definitely help grow the game in Canada, which is really cool.”
She takes her role seriously, recognizing her impact in the game goes beyond her performance on the course.
“I feel like it’s an honour and I’m very proud of that,” Henderson said. “Hopefully I can continue to improve as a person and as a golfer and continue to get better and hopefully make Canadians proud.”