Anna Huang on the upswing heading into CPKC Women's Open in Edmonton

Anna Huang's CPKC Women's Open debut was a turning point in her golf career.

She missed the cut last year in Mississauga, Ont., as a 16-year-old.

"I wasn't really sure what I was doing with my life to be honest," Huang recalled. "I wasn't playing very well at that time. I'd missed four or five cuts in a row."

While her Canadian countrywoman Brooke Henderson charged to victory, Huang headed to the putting green with caddie and coach Sean Burke.

"After I missed the cut, he spent the weekend just working on my putting a lot. We also worked on speed things, alignment," Huang said

"I definitely would say that with all of the practice and help I got in Mississauga, that really affected what happened afterwards, which was really good."

Within the month, Huang had won back-to-back tournaments on the Ladies European Tour.

The Vancouver teenager won again in May in Morocco, but her victory in the PIF London Championship on Aug. 9 set the women's golf world abuzz.

At 17 years, 9 months, and 10 days, Huang became the youngest player to win four LET titles, beating the previous record held by New Zealand's Lydia Ko at 18 years old.

Huang also defeated world No. 6 Charley Hull at the PIF London Championship, the English star's home tournament.

So Huang returns to the CPKC Women's Open this year in a much different headspace.

"I'm definitely a lot more confident in my game," Huang said. "Last year when I played the Canadian Open, I had zero wins under my belt, and I was a rookie.

"This year, second year on tour, I've played six majors now, played many LPGA events. I just have a lot more experience. That's just going to be a really big help."

The $2.75-million US CPKC Women's Open begins Thursday and returns to Edmonton's Royal Mayfair