The weather was breezy and overcast, adding an extra layer of challenge to the already tight fairways and tricky greens. The day proved to be a showcase of skill, resilience, and drama.
Coming into Saturday, Japan’s Akie Iwai held a three‑shot lead after two sparkling rounds, with world number one Jeeno Thitikul and Canadian superstar Brooke Henderson, caddied by her sister Brittany Henderson, among the chasers.
Henderson, from Smiths Falls, Ontario, and Australia’s Minjee Lee finished Saturday’s third round as the new co-leaders at the national championship, three shots clear of the field. Henderson delivered one of the most electric rounds of her career. She carded a 6‑under 65, highlighted by a jaw‑dropping eagle on the short par‑4 17th. From a greenside bunker, she splashed out softly, landing the ball a few feet short before it rolled perfectly into the cup. The home crowd energy was palpable, with large crowds following her group and erupting after the eagle.
World number four Minjee Lee refused to let Henderson have the stage to herself, though. Lee, already a three‑time major champion in 2025, matched Henderson’s fireworks with a 5‑under 66 to also reach 11‑under. Lee also carded an eagle on the 17th, mirroring Henderson’s heroics.
Henderson has thirteen wins on the LPGA Tour, including the 2018 Women’s Open… That made her the first Canadian in forty-five years—since Jocelyne Bourassa of Shawinigan, Quebec, in 1973—to win the national championship.
That created a top-tier final pairing on Sunday, with a total of 24 LPGA Tour titles between Henderson and Lee. Henderson hoped to draw energy from the spectators as she made the final push for her 14th title. Henderson had not won since the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in January 2023. Henderson has thirteen wins on the LPGA Tour, including the 2018 Women’s Open, where she emerged victorious at the Wascana Country Club in Regina. That made her the first Canadian in forty-five years—since Jocelyne Bourassa of Shawinigan, Quebec, in 1973—to win the national championship.
Photo gallery
Photos by Toomas Kald
Akie Iwai, fresh off a win at the Portland Classic, started the day at 11‑under but faltered early. Bogeys on her first three holes derailed her momentum, and she signed for a 1‑over 72. That dropped her into a tie for third at 8‑under with Jeeno Thitikul.
Thitikul, making her first start since overtaking Nelly Korda atop the Rolex Rankings, posted a 2‑under 69. While she didn’t produce the same fireworks as Henderson or Lee, her consistency kept her within striking distance at 8‑under, three shots back.
Fifteen-year-old Canadian amateur Aphrodite Deng of Calgary moved up to the top 10, shooting a 3-under 68 to sit in a group tied for seventh at 6-under overall. Her poise in front of huge galleries was remarkable.
Korda, the world number two, struggled to a 72, falling to 3‑under and out of contention.
Fifteen-year-old Canadian amateur Aphrodite Deng of Calgary moved up to the top 10, shooting a 3-under 68 to sit in a group tied for seventh at 6-under overall. Her poise in front of huge galleries was remarkable.
With the leaderboard tight and the stakes high, Sunday promised a finale that Canadian golf fans and the LPGA at large will remember for years.
PROLOGUE
Brooke Henderson went on to win the tournament, shooting a 4 under 67 on Sunday, awarded 500 CME Globe points for the win and taking home $412,500 USD.
There still have been no repeat winners on the LPGA tour this season. Henderson becomes the 23rd different winner in twenty-two events.
Minjee Lee finished second, one shot behind Henderson, with a four-day total 270 (-14).
Canadian Aphrodite Deng finished as the low amateur, tied for 20th, and shot a final round 73 (+2).
Photos and text by Toomas Kald
