Brooke Henderson Surges with Record-Breaking 62 to Take Early Lead in The Annika Tournament
Canadian golfer Brooke Henderson got off to a sensational start at The Annika Tournament, shooting a record-breaking 62 to secure an early lead. Henderson was motivated to perform well after seeing several low scores from other players before teeing off. She took matters into her own hands and putted for birdie on every hole, demonstrating her exceptional skill on the course.
Henderson’s outstanding performance included a long birdie putt on the par-3 ninth hole, which resulted in a remarkable 29 on the front nine. This allowed her to surpass the likes of Jin Young Ko and Patty Tavatanakit, who were part of a group tied at 63.
In recent months, Henderson felt that her ball-striking skills were not as sharp as she would have liked. However, she made changes by switching irons and felt confident that she was heading in the right direction. Hitting all 18 greens in regulation was a familiar achievement for Henderson, and she expressed satisfaction at not having to rely on scrambling to save par.
Despite winning the season opener in Florida, Henderson has not clinched a victory since then. As a result, she dropped to 13th in the women’s world ranking and currently sits at 14th in the Race to CME Globe. However, she remains unfazed as this is the last tournament for the top 60 players to secure a spot in the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship.
Meanwhile, other players who scored 63 face more pressure due to their lower rankings. Patty Tavatanakit, a former major champion, is currently at No. 61 and entered the tournament with a determined mindset. Emily Kristine Pedersen at No. 80 and Minami Katsu at No. 78 also shot 63 and showcased their skills on an ideal day for golf at Pelican Golf Club.
On the other hand, Maddie Szeryk of London, Ontario, struggled with a round of 2 over and currently sits at 99th in the Race to CME Globe. Her performance in this tournament will determine whether she retains her LPGA Tour status for 2024.
American golfer Lexi Thompson made an impressive return to the LPGA Tour after missing the cut at the PGA Tour event in Las Vegas. She opened with a solid 64 and was tied for sixth place. Thompson’s last victory came over four years ago, and she will likely need to finish third or better in this tournament to secure a spot in the season finale in Naples.
Defending champion Nelly Korda opened with a score of 70, while Lydia Ko had to settle for a 67. Ko currently sits at No. 101 in the Race to CME Globe and will need a strong finish to have a chance at defending her title at the Tour Championship.
As the tournament progresses, it remains to be seen if Brooke Henderson can maintain her stellar form and secure her second win of the season. The competition is fierce, with several players hungry for a victory to secure their spots in the season-ending championship. Golf enthusiasts around the world eagerly await the thrilling conclusion of The Annika Tournament.
