Cambridge, ON – Brooke Henderson, the number three-ranked golfer in the world certainly noticed the large crowds that have been following her the last two weeks. After playing in the Canadian Pacific Open in Calgary, and the Manulife Classic in Cambridge, Ontario; Henderson noted the large galleries following her and fellow Canadian Alena Sharp.
Brooke Henderson Notes Growing Popularity of Women’s Golf in Canada
“It was awesome. Coming up 18 and seeing how many people were out to watch, not only me but all the other girls out here is just awesome,” Henderson said.
The crowds have been very young, with a number of young girls following Henderson around the course, and shouting her name as they ask for her autograph, or a selfie. “It’s awesome, if I can help grow the game, or inspire someone to pick up this amazing game, it really makes you feel awesome. They were yelling my name between shots, and giving me high fives at the end of the holes. It is just really cool to see. It is a lot of fun. I think if even half the people out here start to play the game, if they didn’t before, that would be incredible.”
Henderson finished the tournament with a one-under par 71, good for seven-under in the tournament. The top-40 finish is good, but not exactly what the Smith’s Falls native had in mind. She feels her game is coming around though in time for the final major of the year, the Evian Open in France.
“Having a week off is probably a good thing, heading into the last major of the year. I still have to work on my game a little bit. Practice hard, and get things to a good spot heading into the last major of the year.”
Further Growth
Henderson hopes that continued good results can lead to continued growth in the game. “Alena has been playing awesome, and I would like to think I’ve had a good year too. As you can see by these crowds, I didn’t have this last year. I don’t think Alena did either. You can tell that the game is growing, and more people are getting involved and watching it; which is really cool and I’m really excited about it. Hopefully both of us, or one of us, can be close to the top of the leaderboard next year; and you’ll see the country come together a little bit more.”
“It’s been incredible, you know, that the fans and the support that I’ve had is just unbelievable. I can’t even explain it. And I just can’t wait til next year when I’m in the lead and the crowds triple.”
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