The story of Brooke Henderson’s rise to becoming the most decorated Canadian golfer in history would not be complete without her older sister, Brittany. As it turns out, it was Brittany who received a sponsorship exemption to the 2015 Cambia Portland Classic, which prompted Brooke to sign up for Monday’s qualifier.
Not only did Brooke compete, she went on to win the tournament by eight strokes and earned her LPGA card less than a month before her 18th birthday. (If Brooke wasn’t eligible, she was going to caddy for Brittany.)
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Brittany went on to win the next 13 times on the LPGA, including two majors and three Olympics.
Now it’s time for a well-deserved break.
more: Brooke Henderson to debut as new caddy as sisters prepare for birth of first child
Brooke Henderson of Canada and her caddy Brittany Henderson pose with their trophy after winning the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club on January 22, 2023 in Orlando, Florida.
Brittany Henderson played golf in college
Brittany, a former college golfer at Coastal Carolina University who briefly played professionally, went on maternity leave after last week’s Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. The final round for both players, held in frigid Orlando, Florida, was the best on a windy Saturday with Henderson posting a 6-under 66 to move into sole third place. (The event was controversially shortened to 54 holes.)
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LPGA staff presented Brittany with a framed poster featuring the tournament logo for her biggest hit: “13 Wins, 10 Years, One Great Caddy.”
“Throughout my life, she’s always looked after me and made sure I didn’t do anything stupid,” said Brooke, who is 6-1/2 years her junior. “I think she’ll be a great mother.”
Brittany and her husband, former LPGA media executive Zach Cepernick, are expecting their first child in June. John Killeen, one of the LPGA’s most veteran caddies, will take Brittany’s place. Killeen’s wife, Denise, also plays on tour, and Killeen has worked with Christie Kerr, Juli Inkster, Meg Marron and Lisette Salas during her more than 40-year LPGA career.
When asked on Golf Channel why they’ve been such a great team over the years, Brittany said, “I feel like we know each other inside and out.”
Team Canada’s Brooke M. Henderson looks over the 15th hole with caddy Brittany Henderson through the Olympic rings during the second day of women’s individual stroke play during the 13th day of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games at Le Golf National on August 8, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Brooke Henderson ended the drought in 2025
Last year, Brooke won the CPKC Women’s Open for the second time, ending a two-and-a-half year drought. The Smiths Falls, Ont., native has always made the LPGA a family affair, with her father, Dave, serving as Brooke’s sole instructor. My mom, Darlene, also travels a lot. When the Henderson sisters are not in Canada, they live in Naples, Florida.
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Brook, 28, will next compete at the Honda LPGA Thailand.
Five years ago, Brooke hired a substitute caddy when Brittany missed two tournaments due to a delay in renewing her work visa. Otherwise, it’s been the Henderson Show for a solid decade.
“We’re always together and when we’re on the road it’s basically 24/7,” Brooke said. “And definitely I’m going to miss my travel partner and there’s definitely someone out there that I believe in and trust so much.
“But I’m also looking forward to the rest of this year and the challenges that come with it. I’ll miss my best friend, but I’m really happy for her and Zach, and I’m also looking forward to being an aunt.”
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Brooke Henderson hits the mark before sisters go on maternity leave
