Brooke Henderson is reminded frequently of her first major title back in 2016, when she she won the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in a playoff with Lydia Ko, whether it’s a parking spot that’s reserved for her or the past champion designation on her locker this week at Congressional in Bethesda, Md.
“It changed my whole life. It changed my career, changed my life. It was just an incredible week,” said Henderson.
“To have my first major championship win in the fashion that I had it, beating world No. 1 at the time, Lydia, who is a great friend, in a playoff and being able to hoist that trophy with my sister, Brit — that was her first win on the bag and such a great win to have,” she added.
“It was just that Sunday afternoon, everything just went perfectly and maybe, it was meant to be. I would love to get my hands on that trophy again,” she said.
As she seeks to create more major memories, Henderson comes to Congressional with a lot of momentum.
Ranked eighth in the world, Henderson’s six top-10 finishes are tied for top spot among LPGA Tour players. Two of those top-10s have come in the last two tournaments, including her tie for ninth at the Meijer LPGA Classic and her 11th career win two weeks ago at the ShopRite LPGA Classic.
“I think it’s great to have some momentum going into a major championship and having the win just two weeks ago and then being back in contention last week at Meijer was a lot of fun for me,” said Henderson.
“I ran out of gas a little bit on the back nine on Sunday, but I feel like I’ve rested (Monday) and rested (Tuesday) morning, so I feel like I’m getting back to where I need to be to be at my best this weekend,” she said.
Her best will be needed as the Blue Course at Congressional will play 6,831 yards and par 72 and is renowned for its blind shots.
“It’s so grand and everything is immaculate and this feels like a major championship golf course,” said Henderson.
“Having the men play here and having so many great champions be crowned here, it’s really cool for us, the women, to be out here this week. I definitely am super excited for the opportunity to play here,” she said.
“Brit walked it yesterday and did a lot of work out there and just talking to her a little bit (Monday) night and this morning about it, same thing – having to be strategic and hit in the right places off the tee and on the green,” said Henderson.
“I just talked to the superintendent here, too and he was saying that you have to think your way around, so I think it will be really important to have a strong connection with your caddie and in my case, my coach, my dad. He helps out with the strategic part a lot and just making sure we have a solid plan. Then, hopefully, when it’s time to hit those shots, I can do it,” she said.
Henderson will play the first two rounds with Inbee Park and defending champion Nelly Korda, with that group teeing off at 7:33 a.m. local time.
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