Brooke Henderson is a name that stands out at the 79th U.S. Women’s Open at Lancaster Country Club, despite competing in the shadow of Nelly Korda. At just 17 years old in 2015, Henderson shot a final-round 66 and tied for fifth at the same venue when she was trying to make her mark on the LPGA. She went on to win on the LPGA later that year and is now ranked 11th in the world with a trio of top-3 finishes this season. Henderson has a total of 13 wins on tour and has performed well in majors, with 16 top-10 finishes including eight top 5s.
Although Henderson’s last two starts in New Jersey were not up to par, she remains optimistic and excited about her performance this year. She credits her success to her tight-knit family, with her father as her swing coach and older sister as her caddie. One noticeable change in her game in the past year is her decision to start wearing glasses due to vision issues she has always struggled with. The glasses have helped her see the ball better and improve her feel around the greens. She may consider switching to contacts in the future.
Henderson has a significant following in Canada, drawing crowds comparable to major championships when she plays there. The galleries she saw in Lancaster nine years ago were some of the largest she has experienced. If she is in contention on Sunday, it is expected that many fans will make the trip to watch the most successful Canadian golfer in history go for her third different major title. Henderson’s consistency and competitiveness make her a player to watch in any tournament she participates in.
Despite not having won on tour since January 2023, Henderson’s strong performances this season indicate that she is heading in the right direction. Her success at Lancaster Country Club in 2015 serves as motivation for her current run of form, with a solid track record in majors and a strong showing at the 2024 Chevron Championship. Henderson’s dedication to her game and willingness to make changes, such as wearing glasses, demonstrate her commitment to improvement and success on the course.
As Henderson continues to compete against the best in women’s golf, the anticipation of her capturing another major title grows. With her family by her side and newfound clarity with her vision thanks to glasses, Henderson is poised to make her mark on the U.S. Women’s Open and add to her impressive resume of accomplishments on the LPGA tour. Fans, both in Canada and around the world, eagerly await Henderson’s next breakthrough and potential ascension to the top of the sport.
