So much has changed for Brooke Henderson since her last appearance in the U.S. Women’s Open at Lancaster Country Club.
In 2015, Henderson played Monday qualifying and earned sponsorship exemptions for LPGA tournaments.
Then only 17 years old, she qualified for the United States Women’s Open by virtue of her score at the previous year’s event (she was there via a qualifying event, as an amateur golfer).
Despite the arduous journey, Henderson finished fifth and turned professional the following month, after winning her first ever title (the Portland Classic).
“It was an incredible week for me to finish in the top five,” said Henderson. I was just trying to get my regular player card. I played very well that weekend, I climbed the table a lot. »
Henderson, of Smiths Falls, Ont., has racked up 12 more victories since that time.
This fifth place remains her best result at the United States Women’s Open, although she has enjoyed victory at two major tournaments.
“Everything is just a little more difficult,” Henderson said of the challenge of this tournament. The route is a little longer. Long grass is a little tougher. The greens are faster, more inclined. You must have a strategy. But when it doesn’t work, then you really have to roll up your sleeves. »
Henderson collected a top 10 on five out of 10 occasions so far this year.
The American Nelly Korda leads the rankings by far with six victories and another top 10in eight tournaments.
Maude-Aimée Leblanc is the only other Canadian competing in the second major tournament of the season.
The Sherbrookoise obtained her place by qualifying for a tournament in New Jersey in the middle of the month.