Brooke Henderson struck for four consecutive birdies between the second and fifth holes at Friday’s second round of the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in Orlando, where she has opened a four-shot lead.
Henderson finished Friday with a bogey-free, six-under 66 to get to 11 under at the midway point of the LPGA Tour’s season opener in Orlando. Nelly Korda is second at seven under.
“it was a lot of fun to get four consecutive birdies on the front nine, really kept the momentum going. To finish the back nine with two birdies too felt, well, nice,” said Henderson.
‘It was just really exciting day. Having an opportunity to play with Annika (Sorenstam) and John (Smoltz) again was just really cool. I think everyone on tour, we all look up to Annika, so to have an opportunity to play alongside her, same group, was pretty special.
Sorenstam feels the same way about playing with Henderson in the pro-am.
“She played really, really well,” said the LPGA Hall of Fame member.
“I didn’t think she missed a lot of shots. She had some good chances, hit her iron shots really straight, good distance control. She drove it well,” said Sorenstam.
“I am sure she is very pleased. I thought she played well. At least I said, `good shot’ many times, so, yeah, it was fun to watch, fun to be inside the ropes, and watch how solid she’s playing,” added Sorenstam.
As pleased as she is with her performance, particularly her putting, Henderson points out that it is just halfway through the event.
“Coming into the year I want to be in contention more and so the first tournament back and to be in the final groups on the weekend is awesome. It’s a great place to be, so hopefully, I can just make a bunch of birdies,” said Henderson.
“There is lots of golf to be played. It’s only half over and there are lots of talented players and they’re all going to go low this weekend, so I just have to do the same,” she said.
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