Brooke Henderson embraces the spotlight that shines on her during Canada’s LPGA tournament. The two-time champion of the CPKC Women’s Open demonstrated last year in Mississauga, Ont., and in 2018 in Regina that the extra attention she receives in her home-country event is not overwhelming.
“This week is quite demanding and holds special significance,” Henderson expressed. “I have been able to draw energy and positivity from the fans who come out to support me. The love and positive vibes from the crowd have been advantageous for me over the years, which is truly exciting.
“I aim to perform at my best and provide an exciting experience for them, especially if I can string together some strong rounds.”
The 28-year-old from Smiths Falls, Ont., will vie for a repeat victory and her third win in her home tournament commencing Thursday at Edmonton’s Royal Mayfair Club.
“Winning in 2018 was a major highlight in my career, a dream realized,” Henderson reminisced. “Experiencing that victory again last year was incredibly special, especially since my sister was also caddying, adding more meaning to the moment. Having my family and friends rush onto the green after the win was an amazing experience.”
The CPKC Women’s Open, with a prize purse of $2.75 million US, features six of the top 10 golfers globally, including top-ranked Nelly Korda of the United States. Henderson ranks No. 11 among the 14 players from the top 25.
Henderson, the most successful Canadian golfer with 14 tour wins, secured top-three finishes in this year’s Women’s PGA Championship and the Evian Championship. She narrowly missed out on victory in the latter, losing in a playoff to South Korea’s Haeran Ryu.
Reflecting on her recent performances, Henderson shared, “Achieving back-to-back top finishes in major events this summer made me feel like my game has returned to its former level from a few years ago. This has boosted my confidence and momentum for the remainder of the year, and I hope to sustain that form this week.”
In other developments, Henderson became engaged this summer to Ricky Castro, a pitching prospect for the Minnesota Twins, in addition to becoming an aunt. She remarked, “The positive events off the course have contributed to my on-course performance, helping me feel more relaxed and find the freedom that golfers strive for.”
Henderson leads a group of 15 Canadians among the 156 professionals and amateurs competing at the 6,452-yard, par-70 course in Edmonton’s river valley. Vancouver’s 17-year-old Anna Huang, who clinched her fourth Ladies European Tour tournament on August 9 in London, also stands out among the participants.
The 2026 CPKC Women’s Open marks the tournament’s 52nd edition in Canada since its inception in 1973. Returning to Edmonton for the fourth time and the Royal Mayfair for the third time, this year’s event brings back memories of Lydia Ko’s victory in 2013 when she defended her title won the previous year in Vancouver as an amateur.
Ko, a three-time winner of Canada’s tournament, aims to secure an unprecedented fourth victory, joining the ranks of Pat Bradley and Meg Mallon as the only other women to achieve this feat.
Expressing her sentiments about the tournament’s significance to her career, Ko highlighted how the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open in Calgary played a role in preparing her to win an Olympic gold medal in Paris later that summer.
Weather-wise, Edmonton has experienced 56 centimeters (22 inches) of rain since June 1. The forecast for the tournament includes a mix of sun and clouds with the possibility of showers on Saturday night. Players are prepared for the challenge of mosquitoes due to the wet conditions, ensuring they have adequate insect repellents and protective clothing to ward off the insects.
The tournament attendance record of 73,000, set in 2024 at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, remains unmatched.