AURORA, Ont.– It was not the low round that Brooke Henderson may have desired. But given difficult, breezy conditions at Magna Golf Club, shooting a three-under 69 is a solid score. For the second consecutive year at the CP Women’s Open, Henderson will have to battle from behind after 36 holes, this time three shots back.
“I’m happy with where I am, to be close to the lead,” said Henderson after her round. “I played pretty simple. Hit a lot of fairways, a lot of greens and made it easy on myself.”
Brooke Henderson Showcases Experience in Second Round
If a recurring pattern has been apparent, it has been Brooke Henderson’s ball striking. Converting 57 percent of fairways (8 of 14) and 89 percent greens in regulation (16 of 18) with an average of 294 yards per drive put Henderson in a prime position on numerous holes. Even on the holes where she did not find the fairway, the 21-year-old’s misses left her stellar angles to shoot her approach shot.
But despite the long drives, the Canadian did not rack up the birdies to take down the leaders. On the four par-5’s, Henderson only converted one birdie with three pars. But the nine-time winner on the LPGA Tour is only focused on the positives. Even though she did not always take advantage of her ball-striking off the tee, Henderson is proud of having another bogey-free round.
“No bogeys is always great,” affirmed Henderson. “I feel like I played pretty solid, even though it wasn’t quite as easy as yesterday.”
There were moments during the second round where things could have gone awry for Canada’s golfing star. On her 14th hole (the 4th on the course), Henderson hit her approach shot right of the pin and down a steep hill into the rough. But no adversity seemed too large for Henderson. She was able to hit a solid chip and make a medium length par putt, keeping her bogey-less streak alive. Evidence that when she is dialed in, Brooke Henderson can overcome any challenge.
“It does save your round,” stated Henderson on making that par save. “It keeps your energy and your going in the right direction. I made a lot of putts like that the first two days so hoping to keep this going.”
Henderson Comfortable with Position at CP Women’s Open
Despite not making any costly mistakes, Brooke Henderson will be looking up to the lead, instead of holding it. The 36-hole leader position belongs to Danish golfer Nicole Broch Larsen, who shot a second-round 66. One stroke behind Larsen is World No. 1 and two-time major champion in 2019 Jin Young Ko, who sits at 11-under par after shooting a 67. Ko delivered very high praises to Henderson, who may have to square off against her for the CP Women’s Open title come Sunday afternoon.
“I like Brooke,” said Ko. “We have a great relationship on the Tour. I hope she likes me.”
Four golfers separate Brooke Henderson and the lead at her National Open. Magna Golf Club has shown how difficult it can be, with its slopey greens and windy conditions. For Henderson to have a shot at making CP Women’s Open history, she will need to take advantage of her stellar driving accuracy and convert more putts. Something she knows she can deliver when the pressure mounts.
“I feel confident going into tomorrow that I could get on a run and make a bunch of birdies, which is always a great feeling,” said Henderson. “I’m excited to tee it up.”
