Brooke Henderson thrives under the spotlight during Canada’s LPGA event. The two-time champion of the CPKC Women’s Open has shown in both the 2018 Regina tournament and last year’s event in Mississauga that the extra attention from her home-country fans is a source of motivation rather than a burden.
“This week is very intense and holds special significance for me,” Henderson expressed. “I have been able to draw energy and positivity from the fans who come out to support me. The love and enthusiasm they show me really fuel my performance. I have been able to leverage this support to my advantage over the years, which is truly exciting. My goal is to go out there, give my best, and create an exciting experience for them, especially if I can put together some strong rounds.”
The 28-year-old golfer from Smiths Falls, Ont., aims to secure both a repeat and a third victory in her hometown tournament, commencing this Thursday at the Royal Mayfair Club in Edmonton.
Reflecting on her past successes, Henderson recalled, “Winning in 2018 was a significant milestone in my career, a dream come true. Reliving that victory last year was incredibly special, especially since it was the last win where my sister was on my bag, as she has been back home with her new daughter. There is so much meaning attached to these victories, and having my family and friends rush out onto the green to celebrate with me was an amazing experience.”
In the upcoming $2.75 million US CPKC Women’s Open, six of the world’s top 10 golfers, including top-ranked Nelly Korda from the United States, will be competing. Henderson holds the 11th spot among the top 25 players.
As the most successful Canadian golfer with 14 tour victories, Henderson achieved top-three finishes in this year’s Women’s PGA Championship and the Evian Championship. Despite losing in a playoff to Haeran Ryu of South Korea in the latter tournament, Henderson’s recent performances have instilled confidence in her game.
Following a tie for 29th place in the AIG Women’s Open in Britain, Henderson has made the cut in all five majors this year. Reflecting on her recent form, she stated, “Securing back-to-back top finishes in major tournaments in the middle of the summer has made me feel like my game is back to where it was a few years ago. This has boosted my confidence and momentum for the remainder of the year, and I am eager to carry that forward into this week’s competition.”
Beyond her golfing achievements, Henderson’s personal life has also seen significant milestones this summer, including becoming an aunt and getting engaged to Ricky Castro, a pitching prospect for the Minnesota Twins. These positive developments off the course have contributed to Henderson’s relaxed demeanor and enhanced performance on the greens.
Henderson leads a group of 15 Canadian participants in the field of 156 professionals and amateurs at the Royal Mayfair Club in Edmonton. Among them is 17-year-old Vancouver native Anna Huang, who recently clinched her fourth Ladies European Tour title in less than a year.
The 2026 CPKC Women’s Open marks the 52nd edition of the tournament in Canada since its inception in 1973. The tournament’s return to Edmonton, specifically the Royal Mayfair Club, holds historical significance, especially as it welcomes back past champions like Lydia Ko from New Zealand, who seeks to secure an unprecedented fourth victory in Canada’s premier women’s golf event.
Ko highlighted the significance of the CPKC Women’s Open in her career, noting its impact on her journey to winning an Olympic gold medal in Paris. The tournament’s return to Edmonton comes amidst wet conditions, with the course at Royal Mayfair in good shape despite concerns about increased mosquito activity due to the rain.
As the competition unfolds, both Henderson and Ko are prepared to navigate the challenges posed by the weather and external factors, focusing on delivering their best performances on the course. The tournament’s historical significance and the competitive field set the stage for an exciting week of golf in Edmonton.
