Fifteen seems to be Brooke Henderson's lucky number.
This season and last year, Henderson's first win came on her 15th start. And the runner-up at last week's KPMG Women's PGA Championship agreed that she starts peaking later on in the season. Henderson said the Thornberry Creek LGPA Classic, which runs Monday through Sunday, one week ahead of the U.S. Women's Open Championship, comes at a perfect time.
"A lot of players like to take the week off before a major, but I'm just trying to ride the momentum and keep my game at a very strong and sharp spot right now," Henderson said. "Coming off a win a few weeks ago, runner-up last week at our second major of the year, I feel like good things are coming. And hopefully, I can kind of ride that momentum, ride that wave, and have a good week here."
The four-time winner also said participating in the first LPGA event at Thornberry Creek is memorable, as well.
"It's really exciting to have a new event here, especially in Wisconsin," Henderson said. "I always think it's so beautiful here, so to be back here, it's great."
The Thornberry Creek tournament is one of four new additions to the LPGA's lineup, in addition to a $4.35 million increase in prize money on the tour.
"The LPGA is in an extremely amazing position right now, where everything is growing, the players are stronger, and the game is growing all around the world," Henderson said. "And on the LPGA Tour, we've had 15 different winners - or 16 different winners now. And that's amazing to think about, that the game is so strong that everybody is competing for that No. 1 spot."
Thornberry Creek has lots to offer golf fans during LPGA Classic
The Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic offers a $2 million purse, and a $300,000 for the first-place finisher.
Practice rounds continue through Wednesday, and the 72-hole tourney tees off Thursday. Pairings will be announced Tuesday.
