Henderson tops bill at Canadian golf classic
Victoria’s Naomi Ko joins stellar field
OTTAWA — The CP Women’s Open hasn’t been a major on the LPGA Tour since 2000, but it will have the feel of one this week with teenage phenom and local favourite Brooke Henderson headlining a strong field.
Henderson, ranked No. 10 in the world, will have a huge gallery when play begins today at the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club, where she is an honorary member. Many friends and family members from her nearby hometown of Smiths Falls, Ont., will be on hand.
“This championship isn’t a major anymore. But for us Canadians, it really is,” Henderson said. “This is a tournament that I would love to hoist that trophy, and especially here in Ottawa. I’m just really excited for the opportunity to play in front of so many incredible fans that have supported me when I’m all around the world.”
From 1979 to 2000, Canada’s national women’s golf championship was one of four majors on the LPGA circuit. In 2001 it was replaced by the British Women’s Open, which had been a major on the European Tour.
The CP Women’s Open still remains one of the top events on the LPGA Tour’s calendar. Joining Henderson in the field are world No. 3 and defending champion Ariya Jutanugarn, threetime champ and world No. 5 Lydia Ko, top-ranked So Yeon Ryu, No. 4 Sung Hyun Park, No. 6 Shanshan Feng, No. 7 In Gee Chun and No. 9 Inbee Park.
There are 13 other Canadians in the field: Hamilton’s Alena Sharp, Calgary’s Jennifer Ha, Hannah Hellyer of Sterling, Ont., Augusta James of Bath, Ont., Charlottetown’s Lorie Kane, Maude-Aimée Leblanc of Sherbrooke, Que., Brittany Marchand of Orangeville, Ont., Samantha Richdale of Kelowna, and Quebec City’s Anne-Cathérine Tanguay.
Amateurs Maddie Szeryk of London, Ont., Ottawa’s Grace St. Germain, Calgary’s Jaclyn Lee and Victoria’s Naomi Ko round out the Canadian contingent.
“I know it will be very difficult for any one of us to win,” said Henderson. “This is one of the strongest fields of the year.”