Brooke Henderson thrives under the attention and pressure of competing in Canada’s LPGA tournament. The two-time CPKC Women’s Open champion has shown in both 2018 in Regina and last year in Mississauga, Ont., that the extra focus on her in her home-country event is not overwhelming.
“This week is very demanding and holds special significance for me,” Henderson expressed. “I have been able to draw energy from the fans’ support and the positive atmosphere. Their love and encouragement have been a driving force for me over the years, which is truly exhilarating. I aim to deliver my best performance and make it a thrilling experience for them, especially if I can string together some strong rounds.”
The 28-year-old golfer from Smiths Falls, Ont., will strive for a third victory in her home tournament, commencing on Thursday at Edmonton’s Royal Mayfair Club, where she will defend her title from last year.
Reflecting on her past victories, Henderson shared, “Winning in 2018 was a career milestone and a dream realized. To relive that experience last year, with my sister by my side on the bag, brought added meaning, especially given her absence due to her new daughter. The support from my family and friends celebrating with me on the green was a remarkable moment.”
The CPKC Women’s Open features six of the world’s top 10 golfers, including the current world No. 1, Nelly Korda from the United States. Henderson ranks 11th among the top 25 players in the tournament.
Henderson, the most successful Canadian golfer with 14 tour wins, achieved top-three finishes in this year’s Women’s PGA Championship and the Evian Championship. Following these strong showings, she expressed her confidence, stating, “Securing back-to-back top finishes in major tournaments this summer has reinstated my belief in my game to its former level from a few years back. This has provided me with a significant boost in confidence and momentum for the remainder of the year, and I look forward to carrying this forward.”
Aside from her achievements on the course, Henderson celebrated becoming an aunt and getting engaged to Ricky Castro, a pitching prospect for the Minnesota Twins, this summer. She believes that these personal milestones have contributed to her on-course success by bringing a sense of relaxation and freedom that golfers often seek.
Headlining a group of 15 Canadians amidst a field of 156 professionals and amateurs at the Royal Mayfair Club in Edmonton, Henderson is set to compete in the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open. The tournament, in its 52nd edition in Canada since 1973, marks its return to Edmonton for the fourth time and the Royal Mayfair for the third time, with the last event held there in 2013.
Lydia Ko, a three-time winner of the Canadian tournament, aims to claim a historic fourth victory. Ko, who won the event in 2012, 2013, and 2015, credits the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open in Calgary for preparing her to win an Olympic gold medal in Paris later that year.
The tournament venue in Edmonton has experienced significant rainfall, with 56 centimeters (22 inches) since June 1. The forecast for the event predicts a mix of sun and clouds until showers are expected on Saturday night. Players like Ko and Henderson are preparing for the challenge posed by mosquitoes due to the wet conditions, with Henderson noting that the bugs have been bothersome for many participants.
The tournament’s attendance record of 73,000, set in 2024 at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, remains a notable benchmark for the event.