Brooke Henderson enjoys the attention that comes with competing in Canada’s LPGA tournament.
The two-time champion of the CPKC Women’s Open demonstrated last year in Mississauga, Ontario, and in 2018 in Regina, that the added scrutiny during her home-country event does not feel overwhelming.
“This week is incredibly demanding and holds a special significance,” Henderson remarked.
“For the most part, I’ve been able to harness the energy and atmosphere created by the fans who come to support me. There’s so much love and positive energy directed towards me. I feel like I’ve been able to use that to my advantage many years, which is truly exciting.
“I’m just aiming to play my best and make it thrilling for them, particularly if I can string together some good rounds.”
The 28-year-old from Smiths Falls, Ontario, will be vying for both a repeat and her third win at her home tournament, which kicks off this Thursday at Edmonton’s Royal Mayfair Club.
“Winning in 2018 was a significant milestone in my career, a dream realized,” Henderson recalled.
“Being able to experience that again last year was incredibly special. It was also the last victory where my sister was on the bag, as she has been at home with her new daughter. It all holds so much meaning, and having my friends and family rush onto the green after the win was fantastic.”
The CPKC Women’s Open, featuring a purse of $2.75 million US, includes six of the top 10 golfers globally, with No. 1 Nelly Korda from the United States among them.
Henderson ranks No. 11 among the top 25 players, with 14 from that group participating.
‘Felt really like my game is back’
The most successful Canadian golfer with 14 tour victories finished in the top three at this year’s Women’s PGA Championship and the Evian Championship, where she lost in a playoff to South Korea’s Haeran Ryu.
Henderson is coming off a tie for 29th place in the AIG Women’s Open in Britain and has successfully made the cut in all five majors this year.
“Having two consecutive top finishes in majors during the summer really felt like my game is returning to what it used to be a few years ago,” Henderson stated.
“It has provided me with a lot of confidence and momentum for the remainder of this year, and I hope to keep that going this week.”
This summer, Henderson not only became an aunt but also got engaged to Ricky Castro, a pitching prospect for the Minnesota Twins.
“I believe all these wonderful developments off the course have positively influenced my play on the course, allowing me to feel more relaxed and find the freedom that golfers seek,” she said.
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.
At just 17 years old, Anna Huang from Vancouver recently celebrated her fourth victory on the Ladies European Tour, achieved on August 9 in London.
“My game is currently in a good place,” Huang said. “I’ve put in a lot of hard work this year to reach this point, and I’m really excited to compete among the best in the world.”
The 2026 CPKC Women’s Open marks the 52nd iteration of the tournament in Canada, which has been held since 1973.
This marks the fourth time the tournament has returned to Edmonton and the third time at the Royal Mayfair, the first since 2013 when a 16-year-old Lydia Ko defended her title after winning the previous year in Vancouver as an amateur.
Now a three-time champion of Canada’s tournament (2012, 2013, 2015), the 29-year-old from New Zealand is back to pursue an unprecedented fourth title.
Pat Bradley (1980, 1985, 1986) and Meg Mallon (2000, 2002, 2004) are the only other women to have won three times.
‘This tournament has meant a lot to my career’
Ko shared that the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open in Calgary helped her prepare to win an Olympic gold medal in Paris later that summer.
<p"In many different ways, this tournament has been significant for my career and will always hold a special place in my heart," Ko expressed.
Since June 1, Edmonton has recorded 56 centimeters, or 22 inches, of rainfall. The forecast for the tournament predicts periods of sun mixed with clouds until rain arrives Saturday night.
Ko noted that the Mayfair course was in excellent condition but anticipated dealing with mosquitoes that thrive in wet environments.
“I purchased three different types of insect repellent yesterday and am still trying to determine which one actually works,” Ko said.
“I’ll be wearing long sleeves, long pants, and long socks because I want to avoid any exposed skin. I’m taking precautions to not become a buffet for the mosquitoes.”
Henderson added, “Everyone seems to be dealing with a lot of bugs so far. I haven’t found it too bothersome yet. Maybe I’m just more accustomed to it. It will definitely play a role this week.”
Calgary holds the record for tournament attendance, with 73,000 spectators in 2024 at Earl Grey Golf Club.