Making her first appearance since capturing career title No. 10 last month at the HUGEL-Air Premia LA Open, Brooke Henderson spent the last three weeks celebrating and reflecting. The Canadian also took time to watch the ESPN Films documentary The Last Dance, which highlights the career of NBA legend Michael Jordan.

“It was really inspirational and motivational to watch,” said Henderson. “I didn’t really know a lot about Michael Jordan. It was eye opening to see all he went through, how he pushed himself and teammates.

“There’s a lot of lessons you can take. I think just how tough he was mentally. In all sports, physically you have to be ready and in shape, but mentally you have to persevere and really get into the zone or state of mind where you can compete at the highest level. (Jordan) was able to do that really consistently in almost every single game over many years. Just trying to see the little things that inspired and motivated him and transfer that into my own game.”

The topic begs for a pressing question: Is Brooke’s sister and caddie Brittany the [Scottie] Pippen to her Jordan?

“I would say so,” Henderson said with a smile and laugh.

Back at the Pure Silk Championship presented by Visit Williamsburg for the first time since 2019, when she tied for second, Henderson has played the weekend in each of her five starts at Kingsmill Resort and owns an average finish of 17th.

Since 2015, Henderson is tied with Lexi Thompson for the most rounds (3) of 65 or better at the Pure Silk Championship. Four of the last five winners have recorded at least one round of 65 or better.

“Absolutely, so grateful that they took a chance on me in 2015,” said Henderson, who was a tournament sponsor exemption for the Pure Silk Championship that year. “It really helped get my career started and I always love coming back here. It’s so beautiful, right on the James River.

“I feel very comfortable on every tee box and think it is important to hit a lot of fairways here, especially in past years when the rough was a lot thicker than it is this year. I’m excited to be back here because I love this golf course and hopefully I can play well again this year.”

Brooke Henderson Wants To Be Like Mike

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