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The best golfers in the world have descended upon Regina’s Wascana Country Club, all with the goal of winning the CP Women’s Open.
The tournament is being held in Saskatchewan for the first time ever, with a $2.25 million USD purse on the line.
While golfers from across the globe will be competing in the event, most of the eyes in Regina will be focusing on Canadian golfing phenom Brooke Henderson. Henderson is competing in her seventh CP Women’s Open and finished in a tie for twelfth last year, her highest finish ever in the tournament.
“Every time it just keeps getting better for me. Better finishes, better crowds, better fans and it’s really amazing,” The 20-year-old Smith-Falls, Ont. native said.
“This is my only real opportunity to come home to Canada and play in front of everybody and hopefully give them a good show.”
She said it’s incredible to be in the first tee box and look out to see the grass covered in fans cheering for her.
“It’s really cool and I kind of have to pinch myself and wake up a little bit,” she said.
Henderson has eight top-10 finishes so far in 2018 and feels her game has been strong in her last few events.
She is one of 16 Canadians who will be looking to end the 45-year span where a Canadian has not won the tournament. The last Canadian winner was Jocelyne Bourassa back in the first-ever tournament in 1973.
“I would love to win this tournament. I don’t know if it’s this year, but hopefully before my career’s over,” Henderson said. “It’s just such a meaningful event for all Canadians.”
While there is a little extra pressure playing in front of a home crowd, Henderson said it’s fun to have the crowd on her side.
“To know that they’re there for you cheering you on is a really cool feeling that we get most weeks on the LPGA tour, but this one is really special.”
Another golfer who will be looking to take the top prize at the tournament is 2016 winner Ariya Jutanugarn.
“I love to be back in Canada, I love everything here,” Jutanugarn, whose short-game coach is from Canada, said.
“I miss this event every time after I finish and I’m just looking forward to coming back here again.”
Jutanugarn said she’s always had fond memories of golfing in Canada, including winning the Canadian Junior Open.
She said the course will be a challenge for a lot of the golfers this week, including herself.
“This course not short at all and it’s still narrow so I have to hit three-wood pretty good to hit in the fairway,” Jutanugarn said, adding there’s no chance she’s using a driver this week.
Jutanugarn will begin her round at 8:17 a.m. with Henderson teeing off at 1:43 p.m. Thursday in first round action.