Brooke Henderson’s Homecoming Glory: Wins 2nd CPKC Women’s Open in Style

Brooke Henderson’s Triumphant Return: A Canadian Star Lights Up the CPKC Women’s Open

Golf fans in Canada had plenty of reasons to celebrate this past weekend. Brooke Henderson, the pride of Smiths Falls, Ontario, delivered a performance that felt equal parts inspiring and emotional. Winning the CPKC Women’s Open for the second time in her career, Henderson reminded everyone why she’s considered one of the brightest stars on the LPGA Tour. Her victory at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club wasn’t just about hoisting another trophy—it was about reclaiming confidence, rewriting her season, and putting Canadian golf back in the spotlight.

A Win That Felt “Meant to Be”

If you ask Henderson, the timing of this win was almost poetic. By her own admission, 2024 hadn’t been kind to her. The results weren’t stacking up, and for a player with her resume—14 LPGA Tour victories now under her belt—those struggles could’ve shaken confidence. Yet, on this sun-soaked Sunday, everything clicked.

“This year has not gone very well up to this point,” Henderson admitted with refreshing honesty. “But it just feels like this was meant to be. I felt like I got a lot of breaks out there today and this week, and I just felt like it was meant to be.”

That sense of destiny carried her through the pressure-packed final round. With the gallery pulling hard for their hometown hero, Henderson delivered when it mattered most.

Breaking the Deadlock in Style

The decisive moments came late in the round, and Henderson owned them like a champion. On the par-3 14th, with nerves in the air and the leaderboard tight, she rolled in a clutch 6-foot birdie putt. That birdie broke a tie with her playing partner, Minjee Lee, and gave her the cushion she needed.

But the real fireworks came just a few holes later on the 17th. After Lee sank a 13-foot birdie putt that could’ve shifted momentum, Henderson coolly answered with a 12-footer of her own. That’s the kind of shot that separates good players from great champions—the ability to stare down pressure and respond instantly.

By the time she walked up the 18th fairway, Henderson’s focus was unshakable. The win was hers to take, and she wasn’t about to let it slip away.

A Victory Two and a Half Years in the Making

For fans who have followed Henderson’s journey, the significance of this win goes beyond the leaderboard. It had been over 2 ½ years since her last LPGA Tour victory—her previous title came back in January 2023. To say this was overdue would be an understatement.

She summed it up best herself: “This week was beyond special. To be able to finish it off and hoist the trophy again is extremely cool. Honestly, I’m surprised I’m not crying right now because it just means so much.”

For a player who thrives on confidence and momentum, this title could be the spark that lights up the rest of her season.

The Comfort of Home Turf

Henderson’s love for the Mississaugua Golf and Country Club was no accident. Tree-lined, classic layouts have always been her sweet spot, and this course felt like home.

“I love traditional golf courses. I love tree-lined courses,” she explained. “Being pretty close to home, it was very similar to a lot of courses I grew up playing on, so just very comfortable that way.”

That comfort translated to her swing, her decision-making, and ultimately, her victory. It wasn’t just a win on paper—it was a win that felt deeply personal.

Minjee Lee: A Worthy Rival

It’s impossible to talk about Henderson’s triumph without giving credit to Minjee Lee, who pushed her every step of the way. The Australian, ranked No. 4 in the world, matched Henderson shot for shot and closed with a 68 of her own.

“I had a solid performance, so can’t really say anything,” Lee reflected. “I kind of got outplayed, I guess.”

That last line—half resigned, half respectful—pretty much sums it up. On this particular Sunday, Henderson just had that extra gear.

Still, let’s not forget that Lee is no stranger to the spotlight herself. She won the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship back in June, adding a third major to her collection along with her 11 LPGA Tour titles. The duel between these two could be a sign of more thrilling battles to come.

Rising Stars and Storylines

While Henderson and Lee grabbed the headlines, other players carved out memorable stories too.

• Mao Saigo of Japan surged into third place with a sizzling 66, finishing at 11 under.

• Fellow Japanese golfer Akie Iwai, who had been leading after the first two rounds and just came off a win in Oregon, posted a 69 to settle into fourth at 10 under.

• And then there was Aphrodite Deng, the 15-year-old Canadian amateur who stole hearts early in the week with an opening-round 66 that had her tied for second. While she cooled off with a 73 and finished tied for 20th at 4 under, the teenager’s poise and potential lit up the event.

“It’s really cool,” Deng said with a smile. “I’m really grateful for the experience, especially in my home country.”

If this was her first taste of the big stage, it won’t be her last.

Why This Win Matters Beyond Golf

For Henderson, this win is about more than another line on her resume. It’s about Canadian pride, resilience, and proving that even when a season feels like it’s slipping away, one big week can turn it all around.

The galleries at Mississaugua roared for her like they were cheering for family. Every birdie, every fist pump, every confident stride down the fairway felt like a national celebration. Canadians love their golf, and when one of their own shines on the global stage, it resonates far and wide.

At just 27 years old, Henderson is already cementing her legacy. But Sunday’s win showed she’s not done writing her story. If anything, she’s just adding another thrilling chapter.

Key Takeaways from Henderson’s CPKC Win

1. Clutch Factor: Birdies on 14 and 17 sealed the deal.

2. A Long Time Coming: Her first victory in over two years brought relief and joy.

3. Home Advantage: Familiar, tree-lined courses continue to be her comfort zone.

4. A Worthy Rival: Minjee Lee kept it tight, proving the LPGA is brimming with talent.

5. Future Stars Emerging: From Mao Saigo to teenage sensation Aphrodite Deng, the next wave of talent is already making noise.

Final Thoughts

Brooke Henderson’s second CPKC Women’s Open title wasn’t just another win—it was a career reset button. It reminded her, her fans, and perhaps even her competitors that she’s still very much a force to be reckoned with on the LPGA Tour.

In a sport that can humble even the greatest, Henderson showed that patience, persistence, and passion pay off. And as she held that trophy high in front of a roaring Canadian crowd, it was clear—this was more than a victory. It was a moment of redemption, inspiration, and pure joy.