Brooke Henderson thrives under the spotlight at Canada’s LPGA tournament. The two-time champion of the CPKC Women’s Open showcased her comfort with the added attention during last year’s event in Mississauga, Ont., and the 2018 tournament in Regina. “This week is incredibly intense and holds a special place for me,” Henderson expressed. She spoke of harnessing the energy and support from fans, using it as a driving force for her performance. “The love and positive vibes from the crowd have always fueled me. I’ve managed to leverage that support over the years, which is truly invigorating,” she added.
The 28-year-old golfer from Smiths Falls, Ont., is aiming for a third victory in her home tournament, commencing this Thursday at Edmonton’s Royal Mayfair Club. Reflecting on her past wins, Henderson recalled the significance of her 2018 triumph, labeling it as a career highlight and a dream come true. She expressed gratitude for the special moments shared with her sister, who was present for her last victory.
The CPKC Women’s Open features top-tier talent, with six of the world’s top 10 golfers participating, including the current world No. 1, Nelly Korda. Henderson ranks 11th among the top 25 players. The Canadian golfer, boasting 14 tour victories, achieved top-three finishes at this year’s Women’s PGA Championship and the Evian Championship, where she narrowly lost in a playoff. Henderson’s recent form, including consistent cuts in all major tournaments this year, has bolstered her confidence. Reflecting on her performance, she expressed, “Securing top finishes in consecutive majors this summer feels like a return to my peak form from a few years back.”
Aside from her sporting achievements, Henderson has had personal milestones this summer, becoming an aunt and getting engaged to Ricky Castro, a prospect for the Minnesota Twins. She attributed these positive developments in her personal life to enhancing her performance on the golf course, allowing her to approach her game with a newfound sense of freedom and relaxation.
Henderson leads a group of 15 Canadian participants in the CPKC Women’s Open, featuring a field of 156 professionals and amateurs. Among them is 17-year-old Anna Huang from Vancouver, who recently clinched her fourth Ladies European Tour title in London. Huang expressed excitement about competing against the world’s best players and highlighted the hard work she has put in to elevate her game.
The 2026 CPKC Women’s Open marks the 52nd edition of the tournament in Canada, tracing back to 1973. Returning to Edmonton for the fourth time and the Royal Mayfair for the third time, the event holds historical significance. Notably, Lydia Ko, a three-time winner of the tournament, seeks to secure an unprecedented fourth victory. The New Zealand golfer reflects on the tournament’s impact on her career, recalling how it prepared her for an Olympic gold medal win in Paris.
As Edmonton experiences rainy conditions leading up to the tournament, the forecast predicts a mix of sun and clouds with possible showers over the weekend. Players, including Henderson and Ko, prepare for challenges posed by mosquitoes due to the wet weather. Despite the bug situation, the golfers are geared up and focused on delivering top performances at the event, which holds sentimental value for many players.