(Sammamish, WA) - Canadian golf superstar Brooke Henderson will make her return to Sahalee Country Club this week as she tees it up at the 2024 KPMG Women's PGA Championship, the very place where she had a career-changing victory eight years ago.
In 2016 as an 18-year old, Henderson sank a birdie putt on the 18th hole in a playoff to defeat World No. 1 Lydia Ko and claim her first major title at the Women's PGA. That breakthrough win served to vastly increase her confidence and belief in what she could accomplish on the LPGA Tour.
Brooke Henderson won the final round of the KPMG Women's PGA Championship at Sahalee Country Club in 2016.
Brooke Henderson, of Canada, hits from the 16th tee during the third round of the Chevron Championship LPGA golf tournament Saturday, April 20, 2024, at The Club at Carlton Woods. (David J. Phillip/AP)
"It [the win] definitely changed my life back in 2016," Henderson recalled. "I received a lot more attention from the fans and the media, and just what I believed I could do moving forward I think changed.
"Felt like anything was possible after this victory.”
Her prediction would prove true, as Henderson has gone on to achieve great success in the years since. She now has 13 LPGA Tour wins to her name, including a second major title at the 2022 Evian Championship in France. Henderson has become the all-time leading Canadian golfer, male or female, in professional victories.
Returning to familiar hunting grounds at Sahalee has Henderson excited to create more special memories. Thepicturesque course amongst the lush forests of Washington provides the perfect landscape. Henderson fondly remembers her playoff triumph that kicked off an illustrious career.
"This is just such a special place and so beautiful," said Henderson. “Outside of golf I love spending time in nature, so here is the best of both. You feel like you're in amongst all the nature in the forest, but you're actually playing golf so it's perfect.”
Coming off strong early season form, Henderson will look to add to her trophy case with another victory on the course that started it all. Tee times get underway Thursday as she tries to recapture some of that Sahalee magic.
“Just thinking back, I'm proud of the journey that I've been on these last eight years since that win,” she said, “and I think [I am] just continuing to try to grow and get better and push forward."
Sahalee will always be special for @BrookeHenderson! #KPMGWomensPGA pic.twitter.com/n3DVp7qinq
— KPMG Women's PGA Championship (@KPMGWomensPGA) June 19, 2024
Read more: Sahalee's Trees Create Alley-Like Conditions at KPMG Women's PGA Championship
How has Brooke Henderson's equipment changed over the years
- Ball and glove deal signed in 2022, marking her first affiliation with TaylorMade.
- Expanded to a full club sponsorship with TaylorMade in 2023, including drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges and putters.
- Switched drivers from 48" to 46" due to the Model Local Rule change capping length at 46". Now uses TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus at 9 degrees.
- Changed irons from TaylorMade P790/P770 to P7MC for improved mis-hit performance and ball dispersion.
- Started using TaylorMade MG4 wedges which provide high, consistent spin in any conditions.
- Altered putters from Ping Cadence to TaylorMade Spider GT and Tour V models for increased stability and preferred feel/weight.
- Carries TaylorMade Qi10 Tour hybrid at 22 degrees with a KBS Proto shaft for reliable rescue club performance.
By partnering fully with TaylorMade, Henderson has been able to optimize her gear utilizing the company's latest club technologies and improve several aspects of her game.
What are some memorable moments from past tournaments at Sahalee
The victory that changed everything - Winning her first major championship at Sahalee in 2016 through a dramatic playoff is something Brooke will never forget. Sinking that final putt after sticking her approach shot was so emotional and validated that she could compete with the very best.
A place that feels like home - The warmth and recognition Brooke receives from the members and community at Sahalee makes it feel like a second home. Being awarded honorary membership showed how much that breakthrough success meant to the club.
Revisiting cherished memories - Returning in 2024 allowed Brooke to remember in a happy, sentimental way about past experiences. Playing those well-known holes brought back strong memories of her breakthrough achievement. Reconnecting with such an inspiring source was encouraging.
Consistency forged from familiarity - Brooke clearly feels at ease negotiating Sahalee's nuances, proven by numerous strong performances. Her history there allows comfortable access to optimal strategy and shot-making regardless of conditions.
Deep appreciation for a catalyst - Brooke speaks fondly about how that 2016 playoff win transformed her entire approach. Sahalee deserves credit for fostering the moment that propelled her dreams. She's thankful for all it sparked in her amazing journey since.
The place will always hold a very special place in Brooke's heart and mind for the lasting impact of those poignant memories formed within its beautiful surrounds.
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