Like many LPGA stars, Brooke Henderson played her first ShopRite LPGA Classic on a sponsor exemption back in 2015. Now a past champion of the event (2022), Henderson hopes the week in Atlantic City sets her up well going into a big stretch of majors.
Henderson opened with a 1-under 70 at Seaview Hotel and Golf Club’s Bay Course to hold a share of 31st. Former Duke player Laetitia Beck opened with an 8-under 63 to pace the field in the 54-hole event.
Advertisement
It’s been a transition year for the 28-year-old Canadian star after her big sister and longtime caddie Brittany stepped away as she and husband Zach Sepanik await the birth of their first child. Brittany worked the first tournament of the season, the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, before veteran caddie John Killeen started working the Honda LPGA Thailand in February.
Brooke M. Henderson of Canada (R) and Brittany Henderson, her sister and caddie holds the trophy after winning the Cambia Portland Classic held at Columbia Edgewater Country Club on July 3, 2016 in Portland, Oregon.
At the Mizuho Americas Open, her eighth start to the season, Henderson brought her cousin Ryan in to caddie.
“It’s really been a big adjustment all year, but I’m really grateful to have my cousin on my bag,” said Brooke. “He’s caddied for both my sister and I through the years.
Advertisement
“He’s just a lot of fun and a really great guy. We just started working this year maybe two weeks ago together, but it’s been a blast, and I’m really excited for what the summer will hold for the two of us working together now.”
Brooke, the winningest Canadian golfer of all-time with 14 LPGA titles, including two majors, said she still leans on her sister quite a bit, texting her frequently from the road.
“I’m asking her a lot of questions and we enjoy going through the tournament courses like before we play them,” said Brooke.
“She’s had so much experience on all these courses as well so she’s still extremely valuable in a caddie role even though she’s not caddieing for me now.”
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Brooke Henderson makes another caddie change, keeps it in the family
Read the full article here
