Brooke Henderson’s 2018 Canadian Open victory in Regina wasn’t just any victory, it was Canadian golf history. The Smiths Falls native became the first Canadian woman in 45 years to claim our National Open Championship, following in Jocelyne Bourassa’s footsteps from 1973.
No other Canadian LPGA player has ever won the tournament. Not once.
But this past August, Henderson made sure Canadians didn’t have to wait another five decades to see it happen again. She won the championship a second time, this time at the Mississauga Golf and Country Club.
“This week was beyond special,” Henderson told the media, right after her victory. “To be able to finish it off and hoist the trophy again is extremely cool. It feels super surreal. The crowds were phenomenal. To be able to play so well in front of them really means a lot to me, too. I’m so grateful for all of their support.”
Because this tournament was closer to home, the crowd included more of the people closest to her who were able to share in the moment.
“This one was a bit different than my win in Regina,” Henderson told Faces. “To have so many friends and family at Mississauga, and so much on the line for the last few holes, made this win feel extra special. It was great to celebrate with everyone there.”
Those last few holes in the final round turned into a two-player duel, with Henderson trying to fend off Australia’s Minjee Lee. Lee had three birdies in her final six holes, but it wasn’t enough to catch Henderson, who shot a 4-under 67 to win the trophy and according to the LPGA website, a prize cheque of $412,500.
However, there was extra reason for Henderson to celebrate this victory because it came with a sense of relief. It was her first LPGA victory in 64 starts, a stretch of two years and seven months, ending one of the longest droughts of her career.
Henderson told Faces she felt like her game had been rounding into form in previous tournaments. And what a time for everything to finally click.
“My game had been quietly trending in the right direction for quite some time before the event,” Henderson said. “In the weeks leading up to the CPKC Women’s Open, I had been hitting it well. My ball striking carried into the week, and it was great to see a few more putts start to go in. My game really lined up well at the right time!
Henderson’s list of achievements already reads like a Hall of Fame résumé: With the win in August, she adds to a dazzling total 14 LPGA victories, the most Tour wins ever by a Canadian golfer – male or female – and it isn’t particularly close. She now has half a dozen more wins than Sandra Post, Mike Weir, and George Knudson. Until Henderson came along, those three were regarded as Canadian golf royalty, and they still are, but Henderson looks poised to lap all three.
Because at 28, even with all of her accomplishments in the game, Brooke Henderson probably still has more golf in front of her than behind her.
What’s your strategy at the Canadian Open when there are so many extra demands on your time that week? How do you keep it from interfering with your routine and the things you need to do to be at your best on the course?
I set a gameplan for each day of the week and focus on the items I need to prepare for the event. It is a busy week for me with so many great fans and partners cheering me on! I was able to ride the momentum from the crowd to give me that extra energy to close out the win!
You’ve accomplished so much in the sport. Does your passion level for golf and motivation to win still burn as bright today as when you started on the tour?
Professional golf is a journey so I like to focus on the present and trust the process in golf. While you want to see strong results every week, I try to focus on working toward bigger goals. It’s always satisfying to see hard work pay off with a good finish!”
What does it mean to you to have your sister as your caddy and your dad as a coach?
I love spending time with my family. I grew up playing golf with both Brittany and my dad after school and traveling to tournaments. Those are some great memories, and we have been fortunate to continue that close relationship into professional golf. Having my dad as my coach and sister as my caddy makes pursuing my dreams on the course that much more special!
You’ve been able to ditch the glasses this year. Can you tell us about that and what it’s meant to your game?
I had surgery last year which now allows me to wear contacts. I had worn glasses since 2023 to help with some of the longer distances but seeing the frames out of the corner of my eye was a bit distracting when looking down the line. Now with them off, I feel more free.
What do you miss about playing hockey, and does the mindset you need to be a goalie help at all with the golfer’s mindset?
One of the great things about growing up in Canada is the opportunity to play so many different sports throughout the year. I focused on hockey and golf but played all kinds of sports when I was young. Looking back on it, I still draw on those early years with athleticism and a focused mindset.
Can you tell us about your partnership with the Ottawa Senators and why it’s such a good fit for you?
I always loved the Ottawa Senators growing up. To now partner with them is a great way to stay close to hockey and take a few key learnings from how players are staying at the top of their respective sport!
Which LPGA players did you look up to when you were younger?
Morgan Pressel and Annika Sorenstam. Both were amazing players, and just as impressive off the course.
What advice would you give to young golfers dreaming of the LPGA Tour?
Work hard, dream big, and go for it!
Which club do you have the most confidence in and why?
Driver. Tee it high and let it fly!
Away from golf, how do you like to recharge and relax?
Whenever I get a chance during off weeks, I like to get outdoors. In what can sometimes be a busy lifestyle, it is great to take some time to appreciate the beauty and peace around you.
If you weren’t a professional golfer, what do you think you’d be interested in doing instead?
Both of my parents were teachers. If professional golf didn’t work out, I always liked the idea of following in their footsteps to teaching!
Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever played with in a pro-am?
Seeing hockey greats like Bobby Orr (now on the golf course) or some of the athletes that play in the celebrity side of the Tournament of Champions is a really cool experience!
Can you describe what the Henderson family usually does for Christmas?
We love celebrating Christmas! We enjoy going to Church on Christmas Eve and spending time with family and friends around the holidays. We try to soak in the love, joy and peace that surrounds the Christmas season.
What’s your favourite Christmas carol?
O Come All Ye Faithful and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing are two of my favourite Christmas songs!
What was your favourite childhood Christmas gift?
My grandparents would often get me a new hockey stick at Christmas and that was always very exciting!
What’s your best childhood Christmas memory?
Singing and listening to Christmas Carols on Christmas Eve in Church is one of my favourite memories. I have always found it to be very special and powerful.
As Brooke Henderson reflects on 2025 and looks toward the holidays and the new year, her one-of-a-kind golf story continues. And her fans, warmly known as The Brooke Brigade, will be celebrating every exciting new chapter she adds.
Written by Steve Warne