The story of Brooke Henderson’s rise to become the most decorated Canadian golfer of all-time can’t be told without her big sister, Brittany. It was Brittany, after all, who received a sponsor exemption into the 2015 Cambia Portland Classic, which prompted Brooke to sign up for the Monday qualifier.
Brooke not only made the field, but went on to win the tournament by a stunning eight shots, earning her LPGA card less than a month before her 18th birthday. (If Brooke hadn’t qualified, she planned to caddie for Brittany.)
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For the next 13 LPGA wins, Brittany was on her bag, including two majors and three Olympic Games.
Now, it’s time for a well-deserved break.
More: Brooke Henderson to debut new caddie as sister prepares for first child
Brooke Henderson of Canada and caddy Brittany Henderson pose with the 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 college golf
A former college golfer at Coastal Carolina who had a brief stint as a pro, Brittany began her maternity leave after last week’s Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. The pair’s last round together in frigid Orlando, Florida, was a doozie, with Henderson’s 6-under 66 on a windswept Saturday moving her up to solo third. (The event was controversially cut to 54 holes.)
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LPGA staff presented Brittany with a framed poster that includes tournament logos from their greatest hits: “13 Wins. 10 Years. 1 Incredible Caddie.”
“My entire life she’s always been looking after me and making sure that I don’t do anything dumb,” said Brooke, who is six and a half years younger. “I think she’s going to be an incredible mother.”
Brittany and husband Zach Sepanik, a former LPGA media official, expect to welcome their first child in June. One of the LPGA’s most veteran caddies, John Killeen, will step in for Brittany. Killeen’s wife, Denise, played on the tour, and he’s worked for the likes of Cristie Kerr, Juli Inkster, Meg Mallon and Lizette Salas over his 40-plus LPGA career.
When asked on Golf Channel about what’s made them such a good team all these years, Brittany said, “I feel like we just know each other inside and out.”
Brooke M. Henderson of Team Canada looks across the 15th hole alongside her caddie, Brittany Henderson through the Olympic rings during Day Two of the Women’s Individual Stroke Play on day thirteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Le Golf National on August 08, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Brooke Henderson ended drought in 2025
Last year, Brooke won the CPKC Women’s Open for a second time, ending a drought streak of 2 1/2 years. The Smiths Falls, Ontario, natives have always made the LPGA a family affair, with their father, Dave, serving as Brooke’s only instructor. Mom Darlene often travels, too. The Henderson sisters live in Naples, Florida, when they’re not in Canada.
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Brooke, 28, is next scheduled to compete in the Honda LPGA Thailand.
Five years ago, Brooke used a substitute caddie after Brittany had some work-visa renewal delays that caused her to miss two tournaments. Otherwise, it’s been the Henderson show for a solid decade.
“We’re together all the time, basically 24/7 when we’re out on the road,” said Brooke, “and definitely going miss my travel partner and having somebody out there that I believe in so much and have so much trust in.
“But I’m also looking forward to the rest of the year and the challenge that is going to come with it, missing my best friend out there, but I’m really happy for her and Zach and excited to be an aunt, too.”
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Brooke Henderson finishes on high before sister begins maternity leave
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