With her sister by her side, Brooke Henderson sets sights on victory near home
CBC
It might not have been the return home that Brooke Henderson envisioned.
But during a first round at the CP Women's Open in Ottawa where the winningest Canadian golfer ever couldn't seem to buy a putt after a hot start, the crowd's support never wavered.
"It's OK, Brooke," shouted one fan after Henderson three-putted for bogey on her fifth hole.
"You're the best Canada's got," shouted another as Henderson stopped and signed autographs following her round.
Henderson finished with a 2-under 69 at the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club, a course located about one hour north of her hometown of Smiths Falls, Ont.
"It's so crazy and super cool that I have this much support," Henderson said. "I mean, I know I am close to home, but to see this many people out watching is just an amazing opportunity. Just trying to soak it in and play a little bit better."
After opening with three birdies in three holes, the Canadian plateaued. She managed just two more birdies compared to three bogeys the rest of the way.
While her ball-striking was excellent throughout, Henderson's short game let her down at times.
"I feel like I hit the ball really close today. Maybe the putter wasn't as hot on the back nine. I feel like I could have gone really low, so it's a little disappointing, but at the same time, under par, and I feel like things are OK and I'll play better tomorrow," Henderson said.
Henderson sits tied for 51st, staring up at three other Canadians on the leaderboard. Toronto amateur Lauren Zaretsky, buoyed by an ace on the fifth hole, was 3-under, while Maddie Szeryk of London, Ont., and Alena Sharp of Hamilton, Ont., were each 4-under.
Twelve-year-old Lucy Lin of Vancouver — the youngest player ever to qualify for this tournament — scored a 3-over 74.
South Africa's Paula Reto was the leader after the first round, shooting a 9-under 62.
WATCH | Szeryk tied for low Canadian at 4-under:
Still, it was clear who the crowd came to see.
