Brooke Henderson, the pride of Canadian golf, is set to make her highly anticipated return to the CPKC Women’s Open at Edmonton’s Royal Mayfair Golf Club next week. Following a brief respite from the LPGA Tour, the 28-year-old is not only riding high on her impressive performance this season but is also celebrating her recent engagement to Ricky Castro, a minor league baseball pitcher. As she prepares to defend her title, Henderson’s journey has been marked by personal milestones and professional achievements that underscore her status as one of the most accomplished golfers in Canadian history.
A Remarkable Engagement
Henderson took some time off last month to visit her home in Florida, where she shared a memorable week with Castro, her fiancé. The couple first crossed paths on a golf course in March 2025, and their relationship blossomed into a partnership grounded in shared faith and mutual interests. On July 14, beside a picturesque lake, Castro proposed, catching Henderson by surprise.
“He did everything right,” she recalled with joy. “I wasn’t expecting it. We talked for a minute after we read together, and then I noticed a guy with a camera nearby. That’s when Ricky got down on one knee. It was easy to say yes.”
Stellar Performance on the LPGA Tour
Entering the CPKC Women’s Open, Henderson boasts an impressive record: 14 LPGA Tour victories, including three top-10 finishes this year, all in major tournaments. Currently, she ranks ninth in the LPGA’s Player of the Year standings, and her career earnings have soared to nearly US$17 million.
In July, she showcased her resilience at the Amundi Evian Championship in Évian-les-Bains, where she staged a thrilling comeback from seven strokes down to force a playoff. “It was a really fun week for me,” she shared, reflecting on her performance that included three eagles, with one being a spectacular hole-in-one. “It was crazy. I just tried to see if I could make something happen and ended up in a playoff. It was a dream day, even though I didn’t win.”
Navigating Change on the Tour
This year has been a period of adjustment for Henderson, particularly after her sister and long-time caddie, Brittany, took maternity leave in January. Transitioning to her cousin Ryan as her new caddie posed challenges but also brought fresh perspectives. “It was a huge adjustment,” she acknowledged. “Brittany is my best friend, and suddenly, everything changed when she became a mother. But it has worked out well; I’m so excited to be an aunt.”
Despite missing her sister’s presence on the course, Henderson remains focused on her game. “Golf is extremely challenging,” she noted. “You have to stay positive and learn as much as you can. I feel like I’m trending in the right direction, and finally, patience is paying off.”
A Homecoming with High Expectations
As Henderson prepares to defend her title at the CPKC Women’s Open, her reputation guarantees a substantial following. Known for her engaging personality and talent, she has cultivated a loyal fanbase known as the Brooke Brigade. Playing on home soil, she will face a formidable field that includes world No. 1 Nelly Korda and Olympic champion Lydia Ko.
Standing at 5-foot-4, Henderson carries her athleticism from her youth, excelling not just in golf but also in hockey. Her remarkable consistency is reflected in her performance, having played 261 LPGA tournaments and missed the cut only 30 times.
Why it Matters
Henderson’s return to the CPKC Women’s Open not only highlights her personal milestones but also serves as a testament to her resilience and dedication to the sport. As one of the most successful golfers in Canada, her presence at the tournament inspires both aspiring athletes and fans alike. With her recent engagement and a strong season behind her, she embodies the spirit of perseverance and excellence, making her a beacon for Canadian sports. As she competes, all eyes will be on Henderson, not just as a player, but as a role model who continues to uplift and represent Canadian golf on the international stage.
