Brooke Henderson (-15) claimed her second CPKC Women’s Open title this Sunday, beating her playing partner Minjee Lee (-14) by one stroke. It is her first victory in more than two and a half years.
Henderson finished the tournament with a scorecard of 68 strokes (-4) in the final round at the Mississaugua Golf and Country Club. Meanwhile, Minjee Lee, world number 4, also delivered a score of 68 strokes. “This week has been more than special,” said Henderson. “Being able to finish it off and lift the trophy again is incredible.” She later added: “Honestly, I’m surprised I’m not crying right now because it means so much.”
Henderson secured her victory with a two-metre birdie putt on the par 3 of the 14th at the Canadian course in Ontario, and on the short par 4 of the 17th, she responded to Lee’s nearly four-metre birdie with another from a similar distance to stay in the lead alone.
“I love traditional courses,” said Henderson. “I like wooded courses. Being relatively close to home, it was very similar to many courses I grew up playing, so I felt very comfortable.” Brooke also won this same tournament in 2018 in Wascana (Saskatchewan). With this victory, the 27-year-old player has reached her fourteenth LPGA title and her first since January 2023. It had been a long time. She is from Smiths Falls (Ontario). “This year hadn’t gone very well until now, and I feel like this was meant to be,” added Henderson. “I had a lot of favourable shots today and this week; I felt like it was written.”
Lee won the June KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in Texas, her third major and the eleventh title on the LPGA. “I played solidly, so I can’t say much,” said Lee. “I guess I was outplayed.” She has yet to repeat as champion this season on the American circuit.
Japanese player Mao Saigo was third with -11 after a 66. Her compatriot Akie Iwai, winner last week in Oregon and leader after the first two rounds, scored 69 to finish fourth with -10. Canadian Aphrodite Deng, a 15-year-old amateur who was second after an initial 66, signed a 73 to finish tied for 20th place. “It has been really great,” said Deng. “I am very grateful for the experience, especially in my country.”
Finally, Carla Bernat (+4) finished with a scorecard of 74 strokes, with five bogeys and two birdies. She ended with a four-over-par on the last eight holes, with three bogeys from the 15th to the 18th. A poor end to the week that should not overshadow the two very good first rounds of golf played by the player from Castellón in her professional debut.
