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.