Brooke Henderson enjoys the attention that comes with competing in Canada’s LPGA event.
The two-time champion of the CPKC Women’s Open demonstrated last year in Mississauga, Ontario, and in 2018 in Regina that the additional focus during her home country tournament feels more like a privilege than a burden.
“This week is quite demanding and holds a special significance,” Henderson remarked.
“For the most part, I’ve managed to harness the energy and enthusiasm of the fans who come out to support me. There’s so much affection and positive energy directed towards me. Over the years, I’ve been able to leverage that to my advantage, which is really thrilling.”
“I’m just aiming to play my best and create an exciting experience for them, especially if I can string together some solid rounds.”
The 28-year-old from Smiths Falls, Ontario, is set to pursue both a repeat victory and a third title in her home tournament, starting Thursday at the Royal Mayfair Club in Edmonton.
“Winning in 2018 was a significant highlight of my career, truly a dream realized,” Henderson reflected.
“Being able to experience that again last year was incredibly special, particularly as it was the last victory with my sister on the bag before she stayed home with her new daughter. It added so much significance to it, and having my family and friends rush onto the green after the win was amazing.”
The CPKC Women’s Open, with a purse of $2.75 million US, features six of the world’s top ten golfers, including the top-ranked Nelly Korda from the United States.
Among the 14 players in the top 25, Henderson is ranked 11th.
‘Felt really like my game is back’
The most successful Canadian golfer with 14 tour wins placed in the top three in both this year’s Women’s PGA Championship and the Evian Championship. Henderson lost to South Korea’s Haeran Ryu in a playoff during the latter event.
Coming off a tie for 29th at the AIG Women’s Open in Britain, Henderson made the cut in all five majors this year.
“Having two consecutive top finishes in major tournaments during the summer felt like my game is returning to how it was a few years ago,” Henderson stated.
“It has instilled a lot of confidence and momentum for the remainder of this year, and I’m hoping to carry that forward this week.”
In addition to becoming an aunt, Henderson also got engaged this summer to Ricky Castro, a pitching prospect with the Minnesota Twins.
“I believe all these wonderful developments off the course have positively influenced my game, allowing me to feel more relaxed and achieve that sense of freedom that golfers aim for,” she mentioned.
Henderson leads a group of 15 Canadians in a field of 156 professionals and amateurs at the 6,452-yard, par-70 course situated in Edmonton’s river valley.
Just 17 years old, Vancouver’s Anna Huang claimed her fourth Ladies European Tour title on August 9 in London.
“My game is currently in a really good place,” Huang said. “I’ve put in a lot of effort this year to get here, and I’m genuinely excited to compete alongside the best in the world.”
The 2026 CPKC Women’s Open marks the 52nd iteration of the tournament in Canada, which dates back to 1973.
This event returns to Edmonton for the fourth time and to the Royal Mayfair for the third time, but the first since 2013 when a 16-year-old Lydia Ko defended the title she won 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 in this event.
‘This tournament has meant a lot to my career’
Ko expressed 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 various ways, this tournament has significantly impacted my career, and it will always hold a special place in my heart," Ko stated.
Since June 1, Edmonton has received 56 centimeters (22 inches) of rain. The forecast for the tournament predicts a mix of sun and clouds until showers develop Saturday night.
Ko noted that the Mayfair course was in excellent condition, although she prepared for mosquitoes that thrive in wet environments.
“I purchased three different types of insect repellent yesterday and am still figuring out which one actually works,” Ko said.
“I’m wearing long sleeves, long pants, and long socks because I am not exposing any skin. I’m just trying to stay covered and not become a buffet for the mosquitoes.”
Henderson added, “Everyone seems to be finding it quite buggy so far. Personally, it hasn’t been too bothersome for me, maybe I’m just more accustomed to it. That will definitely play a role this week.”
Calgary holds the attendance record for the tournament, with 73,000 spectators set in 2024 at Earl Grey Golf Club.