The week in ladies golf: Brilliant Brooke wins on home soil
Brooke Henderson made history on the LPGA Tour as she became the first Canadian to win the CP Women’s Open in 45 years as she put in a dominant final round performance at Wascana Country Club.
The 20-year-old opened with a birdie and went on to post the second best round of the day – a stunning 7-under 65, topped off with a birdie at the last to win by a commanding four strokes in front of a fervent home crowd.
“Truly amazing, dream come true,” Henderson said in her press conference. “The crowds were incredible all week. Walking to the first tee on Thursday, I didn’t think there was going to be that many people, and the crowd just seemed to grow bigger and bigger every single day, even every minute.
“Today was incredible. To have their support and then to play as well as I did and to hoist this trophy, I’m just so excited.”
This latest triumph brings her LPGA trophy tally to seven, and while her first major win at the 2016 KPMG PGA has been her biggest yet, this one on home soil is perhaps the most significant of her young career to date.
Indeed, Henderson refers to this tournament as her sixth major and, prior to this week, her best finish in five attempts in the event was a tie for 12th last year.
But more significantly, it has been a troubling and emotional few months for Henderson with personal loss.
“I never would have thought I would say good bye to both of my Grandfathers this summer. I believe Heaven just received two beautiful angels,” she posted on Twitter at the beginning of this month.
I never would have thought I would say good bye to both of my Grandfathers this summer. I believe Heaven just received two beautiful angels! ❤️
— Brooke Henderson (@BrookeHenderson) August 6, 2018
And following her win, Henderson explained: “I know they were both great supporters, and so I mean, I think it’s just constantly there and knowing that they’re cheering me on. I really think they were helping me today.”
Take a look back on a day that will be etched in history forever! 🇨🇦
Final round highlights from the @cpwomensopen: pic.twitter.com/kyI3wCn3hQ
— LPGA (@LPGA) August 27, 2018
When you follow @BrookeHenderson for her entire round, she takes notice. #BrookeBrigade pic.twitter.com/ivgQlfvG6A
— Golf Town (@GolfTown) August 23, 2018
Hall back in action after British triumph
Like Henderson, Georgia Hall also won her national open at the beginning of the month at Royal Lytham & St Annes, and the Bournemouth star made her return to action this week after taking two weeks off.
And it was a solid week’s work as she posted a final total score of seven-under to finish tied for 28th. Following a poor start to the season, Hall has now made each of her last eight cuts.
Elsewhere, Bronte Law led the English charge on her way to a 16th place finish, while Charley Hull closed with a 68 to secure a tie for 23rd.
Upcoming
The LPGA heads to Portland this week for the Cambia Portland Classic at Columbia Edgewater Country Club.
Last year’s champion Stacy Lewis won’t be playing, but two-time winner Henderson will be there to try as she goes in search of a third win.