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Brooke Henderson ended a victory drought of almost two years on Saturday with her come-from-behind win at the Hugel-Air Premia LA Open. It is her 10th career title, the most by a Canadian on either the LPGA Tour or PGA Tour.
Battling breezy conditions at Wilshire Country Club in Los Angeles, California, and her star-studded final grouping that included Jessica Korda and world No. 1 Jin Young Ko, the 23-year-old came from four strokes back in the final round to steal the title by a shot ahead of Korda.
Henderson said the turning point came on the par-3 12th hole when she chipped in for birdie. Her short game came through on the final hole, too, as she got up and down for par.
“I definitely am a firm believer when you’re in the winner’s circle you’re getting a lot of breaks and it’s sort of meant to be,” said Henderson, whose previous victory came at the Meijer LPGA Classic in June 2019.
The number 10 may also have been meant to be.
“I really wanted to get to double digits (in wins),” she told TSN. “My birthday is on the 10th so I just love that number. To finally get it was really cool. I played Titleist 10s in the first round, so I feel like maybe that was an extra special thing.”
Henderson’s final-round score of 4-under 67 took her to 16-under 268, a tournament record by two shots.
Canadians stuck at home in COVID-19 lockdowns shared the moment.
“Congratulations,” tweeted Jim Watson, the mayor of Ottawa near her hometown of Smiths Falls, Ontario. “We look forward to your key to the city ceremony when we have defeated COVID. All of Canada is proud of your accomplishments.”
Jeff Brooke