Brooke Henderson’s CPKC Women’s Open Charge: Weekend Golf Preview

Miyu Yamashita’s Record-Breaking Run at Royal Mayfair

Yamashita has dominated the opening two rounds in Alberta with a red-hot putter, carding a 36-hole total of 126 that has not been seen on the LPGA Tour since 2014, according to tournament reports. Her historic pacing even flirted with Annika Sorenstam’s 36-hole record low of 59 set during the second round of the 2001 Standard Register Ping in Arizona, before a late bogey on the 15th hole checked Yamashita’s historic charge on Friday. This sustained excellence shouldn’t shock golf observers, as Yamashita enters the Canadian stop boasting three top-five finishes across her previous five tournaments, including a victory in mid-June.

Brooke Henderson’s Pursuit and Chasing Experience

Henderson opened her second round on the back nine, stringing together birdies on the par-3 13th, No. 15, the par-4 1st, and No. 4 before dropping shots on Nos. 6 and 8 to finish with a 2-under 68. The Smiths Falls, Ontario native noted that her aggressive play yielded better results than the conservative approach she took on the holes where she bogeyed. Leaning on recent adversity, Henderson aims to replicate her final-round heroics from the Amundi Evian Championship in July, where she erased a seven-stroke deficit before eventually falling in a playoff.

“That was really fun a few weeks ago in France. Yeah, definitely, it gives me some confidence knowing that I can come back from behind,” Henderson said.

With half the tournament remaining, the two-time CPKC Women’s Open champion remains focused on execution over the weekend.

“It’s only half over. They played really well the first two rounds, so I just need to play well the next two,” Henderson said.

Weekend Momentum and Crowds in Edmonton

Despite dropping shots late on Friday, Henderson manufactured a crucial par-save on her final hole to preserve her momentum heading into the weekend rounds. Reflecting on her closing holes, she emphasized the importance of that final putt.

“Through about 14 holes, I was feeling really nice. Unfortunate to drop a couple shots coming in. Happy to save par on nine. I feel like that was really clutch, kind of saving some momentum and things going into tomorrow,” Henderson said. “Playing the weekend, I feel like my game is in a pretty good spot, so maybe try to be a little bit more aggressive and see if we can climb.”

Henderson’s historical consistency at the national open remains remarkable, having finished outside the top 15 only once since 2016 despite the tournament’s rotating venues. Canadian fans turned out in large numbers on Friday morning to back their home favorite, an experience the star continues to appreciate.

“Just really trying to embrace the opportunity because (it) only really happens once a year, and it’s just such a unique thing that not a lot of players get to experience. I’m definitely trying to make the most of it,” Henderson said.

Chasing Pack and Low Scoring on Friday

While Yamashita commands the top of the leaderboard, a crowded chasing group sits at 9 under par through 36 holes. Soo Bin Joo carded the low round of the day on Friday with a 7-under 63, joining Yuri Yoshida and Kiara Romero—who is playing in her professional debut this week—just behind the leaders.