Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Thursday, April 25, 2024 72° Today's Paper


Sports BreakingTop News

Brooke Henderson repeats in LPGA Lotte Championship at Ko Olina

Dave Reardon
1/1
Swipe or click to see more

JAMM AQUINO/JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM

Brooke Henderson, the Lotte defending champion, became the first two-time winner in the event’s eight-year history.

Brooke Henderson made Hawaii and Canada golf history today with a 4-stroke victory at the LPGA’s Lotte Championship at Ko Olina Golf Club.

Henderson finished at 16 under par overall with a 2-under 70 in the final round. Eun-Hee Ji finished second at 12 under.

Henderson, the Lotte defending champion, became the first two-time winner in the event’s eight-year history.

Henderson, 21, also tied Sandra Post’s record of eight LPGA Tour wins for a Canadian woman. (The PGA record for wins by a Canadian is also eight, held by Mike Weir and George Knudson.)

“It’s just been surreal the past few years,” Henderson said. “I’m just so happy. … It’s amazing.”

Another woman from Canada, Lisa Walters, won the LPGA’s Hawaiian Ladies Open in 1992 and 1993, also at Ko Olina.

American Paula Creamer has also won two LPGA events in Hawaii: the SBS Open at Turtle Bay in 2007 and the Fields Open at Ko Olina in 2008.

Nelly Korda, who started the day tied atop the leaderbord with Henderson, briefly held the lead on the front nine and stayed within striking distance most of the day. But a disastrous quadruple-bogey 8 on the last hole gave her a 77 for the day, and dropped her all the way to eighth place at 9 under overall.

Henderson fell one shot behind Korda with a bogey on the first hole, but regained the lead with birdies on Nos. 3 and 5. She was steady the rest of the way, with a birdie on 11 and no more bogeys. Henderson avoided late drama with par saves on the 15th and 16th holes.

Nichole Broch Larsen shot a day’s best 64 after an 80 on Friday, finishing at 7 under par for the event.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.