ORLANDO (Florida) – Brooke Henderson felt pain in her upper back last October at the Aramco Series in New York. She said it was a gradual buildup that culminated in pain at the Pelican Women’s Championship in November. At this point, she pulled out after the first round.
She produced a swing at the CME Group Tour Championship that saw her get through the tournament. Soon after, her wisdom teeth were removed. Henderson, 25, believes there may be a connection between these two health issues, but her dentist didn’t think so. After some time, Henderson began strengthening her back and reported that it feels “really good now.”
With her TaylorMade gear, she’s now able to play aggressively again. She likes what she sees. Henderson, who was playing alongside Annika Sorentam in the season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, shot a 6-under-66 Friday and took a four-shot advantage over Nelly Korda.
Sorenstam said, “I said good shot’ many time,” and is currently trailing Mardy Fish by nine in the tournament’s celebrity section, which uses a Stableford scoring system.
Henderson, the most successful Canadian golfer, started off hot with four birdies in a row in her second round. For the tournament, she’s at 11 under. England’s Charley Hull, Wei-Ling Hsu and Wei -Ling Hsu are five behind at 6 under. Danielle Kang, the defending champion, trails by seven.
After using the TP5x last year, Henderson, a long-time Ping player, switched this season to TaylorMade equipment.
She said that she feels like many things are working well, particularly the wedges. It’s nice to be able feel aggressive and the wedges are holding up really well. This is a first for me.
“On No. “On No. 2, I was able spin it back, which also is a great feeling.”
After the LPGA decided to implement the USGA’s Model Local Rule last year, Henderson lost some distance with her driver. She had to change from a 48-inch driver and get a 46-inch one.
Henderson, a 12-time winner of the LPGA, had been driving a 48 inch driver her entire career. Henderson is known for her aggressive style and power, as well as the way she chokes on her clubs. In 2021, Henderson was ninth in driving distance with an average of 274 miles. She dropped to 25th place last year, with an average of 267 yards.
She said that the new TaylorMade ball, and Stealth 2 Plus 9 degree driver, has helped her get some back.
Annika Sorenstam of Sweden watches as she hits the 18th tee at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, January 20, 2023 in Orlando. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images).
Sorenstam was asked by Henderson to weigh in on Henderson’s swing length after their first round.
Sorenstam said, “I know she’s got this little drop-kick,” but she really hits it out there. She has some great distance and some great carry.
“She’s got good feel and good touch, so it works perfectly for her.” It works for her because she has a good feel and a good touch.
