LAURIE WEIR
SMITHS FALLS – Brooke Henderson gave her hometown plenty to cheer about Sunday as she captured her 14th LPGA Tour victory at the CPKC Women’s Open in Mississauga.
The 27-year-old Smiths Falls native fired a closing 4-under 67 to edge Australia’s Minjee Lee by a stroke, ending a two-and-a-half year winless stretch. Her last victory came in January 2022 at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in Orlando, Fla. The Canadian Open title also marked her first win on home soil since 2018 in Regina.
“I’ve been waiting for that 14th win for what feels like forever, and to do it here it is so special,” Henderson said after the victory.
Family, friends, and fans from across the region filled the galleries, many of them youngsters in the trademark red-and-white shirts of the “Brooke Brigade.”
“The crowds were incredible all week and I can’t thank everyone enough for coming out,” Henderson said. “I feel like Canada needed a win this year and I am really happy to bring them one.”
She also gave credit beyond the ropes. “I thank God for allowing me to be in this position and for giving me the courage and strength to perform.”
For Henderson, the win was about more than her own breakthrough. “It was amazing to see the Brooke Brigade out in full force… I hope they are inspired to follow their dreams, be that golf or whatever it is.”
The homecoming atmosphere was not lost on the star who grew up learning the game at Smiths Falls Golf and Country Club, where her name now graces the road leading into the course.
With her 14th LPGA title in hand, Henderson once again reminded the town that raised her, and the country that has adopted her as its champion, what it means to dream big from a small place.
Locally, the social media feeds were filling with praise and congratulatory messages from her many fans, including Smiths Falls Police Service: “Congratulations Brooke and Brittany on the CPKC Women’s Open WIN! So proud of you!!”
