Henderson feeling the momentum on the Olympic golf course
Brooke Henderson is now halfway to history.
The 18-year-old golfer from Smiths Falls, Ontario fully recovered from an underwhelming opening round on Wednesday, finishing Thursday’s second round with a 7-under-par 64.
RELATED: Henderson shows second round surge
Brooke M. Henderson of Canada, smiles on the 18th hole during the second round of the women’s golf event at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, Aug. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
She was tied for 19th place after the opening round, but now sits in a two-way tie for third place, just two shots off the lead.
“It was a much better day today,” said Henderson. “I felt better right off the bat. I was 2-under through my first nine holes, which was good, and I was hoping to get a few more birdies on the back nine.”
She got her wish, hitting birdies on five of the final six holes at the Olympic Golf Course. Henderson attributed her strong finish to her ability to play with greater consistency throughout the 18-hole course.
Brooke M. Henderson, of Canada hits a shot on the range before a practice round for the women’s golf event at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, Aug. 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
“I kind of got momentum, and then putts streamed for me, and I was able to hit some really good shots.”
Henderson is one of the sport’s rising stars, and came into Rio sitting third in the LPGA Rankings. In June, she won the Women’s LPGA Championship, the first time a Canadian has prevailed in that tournament since Sandra Post won it in 1968.
As she continues competing in Rio, Henderson will have the hands-on support of her older sister Brittany, who is also her caddy.
Brooke Henderson (left), and sister, Olympic-bound caddie Brittany Henderson, at a simultaneous white hat ceremony in Calgary, Alberta on the day of the Olympic team announcement in Oakville, Ontario, July 19, 2016.
“She’s my best friend, my sister, and she happens to be my caddy as well,” said Henderson. “So it works out really well.
“We better not get into any arguments because we’re together 24/7—so far, so good.”
It’s definitely “so far, so good” for Henderson, as she aims for one of the first-ever Olympic medals in women’s golf. She’ll be back in action in the third round on Friday and the medal-deciding final round on Saturday.
