In some of the most iconic images of Golf Town Athlete Brooke Henderson celebrating a big-time victory, her father, Dave Henderson, is not that far away.

“Definitely having my dad part of my life and part of my golf game has always been so huge for me,” said Brooke, with Father’s Day just around the corner.

Indeed, Dave Henderson, who got both Brittany and Brooke Henderson into the game as youngsters, has been a helping hand, coach, best friend, and of course, dad. Brooke has long said how important her dad’s influence has been on her golfing career. She said it’s been more challenging, lately, as Dave Henderson has not been on site at an LPGA Tour event since January 2020 due to COVID-19 logistical challenges.

But Brooke said she’s thankful in the big picture.

“I miss having my mom and dad out on Tour but they’re in Canada and safe which is all you can ask for,” said Brooke. “They’ve been really great on FaceTime and dad’s always sending emails and text messages and watching the coverage and giving as much feedback as possible and helping Brit and I on our journey.”

That journey has led Brooke Henderson to the winner’s circle on the LPGA Tour 10 times, including earlier this year in L.A. Just recently, at the U.S. Women’s Open, she finished tied for 7th – her fifth top-10 result of the year and 12th-career top 10 at a major championship.

Brooke will play the Meijer LPGA Classic through Father’s Day weekend and she’s looking to recreate some magic from a couple years ago – as Brooke has won that tournament in Michigan twice.

“I’ve actually been able to win a couple of times on Father’s Day which is so meaningful! (Our dad) got both my sister and I into the game. He’s our best friend and he’s our coach still so to have him celebrate with us those past years on Father’s Day and to be able to give him a trophy at the end was pretty cool,” said Brooke.

Fellow Golf Town Athlete Lisa ‘Longball’ Vlooswyk also has her dad to thank for getting her into the game.

She was in grade six and jokes that she was her dad’s “last hope” as a golfer. He brought her to his course one day and despite the fact that at the junior golf program Lisa attended there were 50 boys and just Lisa as the only girl, she stuck with it – and now she’s a multi-time long-drive champion.

But whether you’re a long-drive champion or an LPGA champion, our Golf Town athletes are so thankful to their dads for helping them come out and play the most wonderful of games. And, if you’re looking for a last-minute gift for dad, be sure to check out our Father’s Day gift guide, where we’ve curated the best of the best in gear, clubs, and clothing.

“Our dad has just played an incredible role in our golf game and in our life so it was a nice way to say thank-you,” said Brooke about winning on Father’s Day. “I’m always so excited and happy when I get to see the dad’s out there helping their children enjoy the game and grow the game!”