NAPLES – Brooke M. Henderson came off the course Thursday afternoon to a crowd of waiting fans. She patiently posed for photos and signed autographs for more than 15 minutes, listening intently as fans excitedly shared their stories about her home country of Canada, one fan even trying to find a common lineage asked Henderson if she had any relatives in the New Jersey area. Her caddie and sister Brittany, who splits her time looping and playing on the Epson Tour, was often invited to pose as well. It was a double dose of Henderson for fans who can’t seem to get enough of the Tour’s new star.
Brooke is teeing it up this week for the first time since September’s Evian Championship, and quietly posted an opening round, even par, 72, to sit six-strokes back of the lead. But based on fans’ response, she might as well have been leading by six.
Brooke had been missed. And she missed them too.
“It’s been two months since I was on the LPGA, so it’s nice to be around all the girls again and just be in this atmosphere,” Henderson told LPGA.com Thursday. “I really did miss it and it’s so much fun and now this is my job. “
Henderson earned her new job with the help of a victory at the Cambia Portland Classic, where she lapped the field by 8-strokes for her first win on Tour. Following a successful petition to the commissioner, Henderson elected to defer her membership to 2016, when she will enjoy her first full season as an LPGA member.
“When I was back home it didn’t really sink in but being back out here getting to compete against the best in the world I think it’s starting to sink in a little bit more,” Henderson said. “I know I can compete against them so hopefully next year and even this week get some good top 10-finishes.”
A good finish this week in Naples will give her some momentum heading into the off-season and she’s no stranger to making up ground. The last time she opened with an even par round was at the U.S. Women’s Open where she closed with weekend rounds of 68, 66 to finish T-5.
“If I hit the ball the same way I did today and make a few more putts, you know, once one drops usually more come so just do that some more and climb up that leaderboard and then on the weekend go low.”
Fans are sure to be cheering her on.
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