Brooke Henderson has targeted the British Women's Golf Open to return to the LPGA Tour.
One of the most successful golfers on the women's professional tour and in Canadian golf history, Henderson has not played for almost seven months.
Initially, it was voluntary, because the seventh player in the world had decided not to participate in the Australian section of the LPGA. Then the COVID-19 pandemic started and the circuit had to shut down.
“It was a really long break, especially for me,” said the 22-year-old Canadian from the family cabin.
“I think this is my longest period of time not playing competitively since, maybe, my elementary school years. It was a big change for me, but I'm very excited to be back on the pitch. I'm sure I'll get a lot of adrenaline going on that first tee. "
On January 16, Henderson finished tied for fourth in the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions with a relative-to-par score of minus-12. The following week, she finished tied for 15 th place Gainbridge tournament.
These were the only two tournaments attended by Henderson, who lives in Florida but returned to her parents' home in Smiths Falls, Ont., Soon after the pandemic began.
“Over the past few months, I've enjoyed staying in one place, not traveling and not being so prominent,” said Henderson, who went into self-isolation for 14 days before. to return to his parents.
“I will stay here until the British Open. After that, I will participate in a few other events and play more often. "
The British Open is set to start on August 20 at the Royal Troon, Scotland. This will be the first major tournament of the LPGA season, after the cancellation of the Evian Championship, which was to take place in France from August 6 to 9.
The LPGA will kick off its season Thursday with the first-ever Drive On Championship presentation in Toledo, Ohio. The Classic Marathon, August 6-9, and the Scottish Open, August 13-16, will follow.
Henderson, who has always been very active on the tour since turning pro in 2015, has enjoyed the break.
“I read a lot of books, I was able to train more than when I was on the circuit,” said Henderson.
“I learned to cook a lot better, which is really exciting. I have had quality time with my mum and dad since I have been home. It was a profitable break, but in a way I wished it had happened and not affected everyone. "
In principle, Henderson and fellow Ontarian Alena Sharp would have headed to Japan this week to compete in the Tokyo Summer Olympics. The two golfers would thus have represented Canada for the second time in women's golf at the Olympic Games.
“[Tokyo] is something to watch next year. Obviously, it was a smart decision to move [the Games] to 2021. Hopefully it will be safe to play and not be pushed back for another year. I really enjoyed playing in Rio in 2016. There is no doubt that it is an honor. "
