Brooke Henderson has successfully made the cut at the U.S. Women’s Open for the first time in three years. Despite a rocky start on Friday, she bounced back impressively and is just four shots off the lead.
Outstanding Performance at Riviera Country Club
During the opening round on Friday, Henderson began with a double bogey on the par-4 10th hole at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. However, she quickly recovered, chipping in for birdie on the 14th and adding three more birdies to finish with a score of 2-under 69. This performance puts her in a strong position going into the weekend.
Competitors and Rankings
Current leaderboard leaders are Alison Lee from the U.S. and Ruoning Yin from China, both at 4-under par. Six other golfers are close behind, including overnight leader Jennifer Kupcho. Henderson is tied for 18th, making her presence felt as the conditions become more challenging.
- Brooke Henderson: Tied for 18th, 2-under 69
- Alison Lee: 4-under, leading
- Ruoning Yin: 4-under, leading
- Jennifer Kupcho: Overnight leader, 3-under
Key Statistics and Challenges
Henderson’s game has shown strengths and weaknesses this week. She has excelled with her driving, ranking fifth in strokes gained off the tee. However, she is struggling with her approach shots, ranking near the bottom in strokes gained: approach and has only hit about half of her greens in regulation.
Historic Context
Historically, 21 out of the last 22 LPGA major winners were within five shots of the lead after 36 holes, giving Henderson favorable odds as she moves forward. She expressed her enthusiasm stating, “I’m excited to be playing this weekend. I hope to make more birdies and limit the bogeys.”
Personal Milestones and Changes
This year has been a challenging one for Henderson, especially with her sister Brittany, her longtime caddie, unable to join due to an impending childbirth. Henderson has adapted by having her cousin, Ryan Henderson, as her new caddie. The duo is building rapport and looking forward to more tournaments this summer.
Canadian Contenders
Henderson is not the only strong Canadian presence in the tournament. Teen golfer Aphrodite Deng is also set to continue into the weekend, currently holding a 1-over score after finishing Friday with a 2-over 73. Other Canadian players, Anna Huang and Lauren Kim, unfortunately did not make the cut.
- Aphrodite Deng: 1-over, U.S. Women’s Open debut
- Anna Huang: 6-over, missed cut
- Lauren Kim: 11-over, missed cut
As the tournament progresses, Henderson shows promise to climb the leaderboard and contend effectively at the U.S. Women’s Open.
