Henderson Takes Aim at Second Home Victory as Deng Keeps Popcorn-Pop Energy Alive
Canada’s Brooke Henderson surged into Sunday in Mississauga with a share of the lead at the CPKC Women’s Open, carding a 6-under 65 in the third round to reach 11-under and sit atop the leaderboard alongside Australia’s Minjee Lee. The Smiths Falls, Ontario native has 13 LPGA titles and is chasing her first win since January 2023.
Henderson’s round featured a dramatic finish, including back-to-back birdies on holes 15 and 16 and a clutch eagle from the bunker on 17. It capped a weekend that has been a bright highlight in what’s otherwise been a challenging year for the 27-year-old, who has thrived in front of Canadian fans this week. “Winning in 2018 was a huge career highlight, and being in a position to possibly have that opportunity again is really cool, but I’m still a long way from that,” Henderson said. “There are so many top players near the top of the leaderboard, with 18 holes to go.”
In the chase pack three shots back are two of the world’s top players: Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand, who remains world No. 1, and Akie Iwai of Japan, the No. 14 in the world who won last week’s Portland Open and led Mississauga after the first two rounds. The trio sits in a three-way group for third as final-round drama builds.
Canada also has an up-and-coming storyline in 15-year-old Aphrodite Deng, who sits five off the lead after a 3-under 68 in the third round. Deng, an amateur from Calgary who trains in Florida, is making her first LPGA Tour start and has turned heads with her composure and down-the-stretch nerve. A win would be historic, but even a strong finish on a big stage would signal a bright future. Deng also has an impressive amateur résumé, including a victory at the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship.
Asked what it would mean to finish strong among the world’s best, Deng smiled: “Yeah, it would be so fun to add on to my summer.”
What to watch on Sunday
– Henderson seeks a breakthrough on home soil, aiming to become the first Canadian since 2018 to win the national women’s open on Canadian soil and to add a second major title to her résumé.
– The final round pits Henderson and Lee against a small cadre of world-class challengers, including Thitikul and Iwai, with a determined Deng not far behind.
– The weekend has provided a hopeful sign for Canadian golf, with a homegrown star thriving in front of big crowds and a promising young Canadian making a major tour debut with poise beyond her years.
Summary
Brooke Henderson moved into a share of the lead at the CPKC Women’s Open after a dazzling 65 in the third round, reaching 11-under and sharing the top spot with Minjee Lee. A pair of veterans and world No. 1 Atthaya Thitikul and Akie Iwai sit three back, while 15-year-old Aphrodite Deng continues to impress in her LPGA debut, five off the lead with a chance to surprise. The final round promises an exciting conclusion in Ontario, with Henderson hoping to deliver a long-awaited home victory.
Note: The article reflects Henderson’s current position and the weekend storyline, emphasizing her potential for a second national title and Deng’s exciting LPGA debut. A hopeful, positive angle focuses on Canadian golf achievements and the promise shown by younger players.