'It’s definitely surreal, it’s just been an amazing journey'
Interview from 2016:
You’ve won a major and had great success this year, has it all sunk in yet?
It’s definitely surreal. It’s been an amazing journey over the last 18 months. I didn’t have status on any tour 18 months ago but I just kind of worked my way up. I was on the LGPA tour at 17, then I was given LPGA status at the end of 2014 and I won my first championship earlier this year. It’s just been so much fun and I’m trying to take advantage of every opportunity I’ve been given.
What do you think your achievements are down to?
I always believe that I was given a gift and I’m trying to take advantage of that gift as much as I can. Push to be a better person and better golfer every single day. I’m working hard, I have an amazing team around me and my sister’s caddying for me. My dad is my coach and my mum is our biggest fan and along with that I have amazing sponsors and IMG have always been extremely good. I have an awesome team.
Did you celebrate the major?
We didn’t do too much celebrating actually, we did two hours of media and then we drove to Portland in Oregon where I was doing a media day the next day. So I kind of sat in a car for 4 hours and did media so it wasn’t too much of a celebration! Once the year is over and I’m with family and friends I think that’s when we’ll take a deep breath and realise what happened this year.
What do your friends do?
They are all going to university, either they have just done their first year or they are going this year. So they are a little bit jealous of me maybe but they are extremely supportive and I got to spend some time with them during my week off last week. It was a lot of fun just hearing their stories of what they’ve been up to compared to mine. It’s so different to my life at the moment!
What do you do when you’re not playing golf?
I haven’t been home so much but when I do I like to spend time at my cottage with my family and friends and just enjoy it.
Do you spend a lot of time with your sister?
Yes Brit and I spend 24 hours a day together, every single day. In the hotel, eating meals, on the golf course, while we’re practicing, we’re constantly together. But it’s really good because we’re best friends and we’re really enjoying this whole journey together.
What do you miss most about home?
I think being with family and friends, I don’t get to see them as much as I used to. But I’m lucky that my mum and dad are retired so they are able to travel with me to about half the events, which is really nice. But my cottage is my favourite place ever so being back there is always really nice.
What do you think to England?
I love it. I’ve spent a lot of time in the airport in London but never outside it. It’s incredible, so beautiful and I love the landscape, the old buildings and history, it’s really amazing.
I haven’t had any typically English food yet but I’m sure by the end of the week I will!
Who is your golfing inspiration?
My older sister really got me started in the game of golf, and inspired me and motivated me to push and make myself better and now we’re doing this journey together so it’s very cool. And Morgan Pressel as well is someone I’ve always looked up to and now we’re both on team RBC and we’re becoming good friends.
What do you want to go on to achieve?
I’m still thinking about my goals, there’s still half the season of 2016 to go and I’d love to win another championship. To win another major would be huge. I’m not sure if it’s on the cards but I’m going to work really hard to try and make that happen.
Where would you want to settle when you retire?
I think I’ll go back to Canada, close to where I grew up and just relax and enjoy everything I’ve accomplished.
Where’s the best place you’ve visited?
England! I do really like it here it’s very cool. It’s similar in a way to Canada.
Best thing about being on tour?
I think it’s getting to travel and see a whole bunch of different places that otherwise I would never get the opportunity to see. Sharing it with my sister is extremely special to me and just seeing the world and enjoying everything that is has to offer.
Who are your best friends on tour?
I’d say I’m pretty good friends with everyone, Alena Sharp from Canada is a good friend for both Brit and I. We have a lot of good friends but we are also just trying to do a job and get things done.
Is it tiring travelling around all the time?
I love it, this is a game that I’ve played since I was 3 years old so I don’t know too much else. I just love being out on the course, being able to experience the fresh air and the nature.
Do your parents play?
Mum doesn’t play at all, Dad is our coach and he used to play but now he just focuses on us.
Brooke plays on the LPGA tour where she has notched up three wins. Included in this she carded her first Major in 2016 at then KPMG Women’s PGA Championship after a one hole play off against Lydia Ko.
Follow her on Twitter: @BrookeHenderson