The crowds were big and their enthusiasm contagious, cheering and urging Golf Town Athlete Brooke Henderson forward at the CP Women’s Open in Ottawa this past weekend.

Brooke came close—but couldn’t quite close during the final round, finishing in a tie for 12^th a day after shooting the course record at Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club.

“Brooke’s Brigade”, made up of hundreds of golf fans of all ages sporting t-shirts in support of Brooke, lined the fairways each day to watch the Canadian superstar. Brooke’s Brigade kicked off two weeks ago with a meet and greet with Brooke and her fans at our Ottawa East store. The goal of the initiative was to give fans the opportunity to support Brooke on home soil, as well as promoting junior golf and offering youthful golfers the opportunity for some unique experiences at the CP Women’s Open. Hundreds of Brooke’s Brigade fans were present at Ottawa Hunt at ever hole, including three dedicated zones for an exclusive viewing experience where Brooke Brigade members could get up close to the ropes to see their hero, as well as a dedicated area for junior golfers in autograph alley. Attendance at the tournament was record breaking, exceeding any since Golf Canada, which runs the tournament, started keeping track of total spectators.

It didn’t go unnoticed. Brooke said she’s blown away by the influence her success is having.

“It’s amazing when I just look around my town and people that are picking up the game that I never thought they would, and to see all those young kids wearing Brooke Brigade T-shirts this week. Just to high five them in between greens and tees and see their smiles —it’s inspiring to me.”

Showing some love to her biggest fans! #BrookeBrigade pic.twitter.com/44tPRlRI4D

— Golf Town (@GolfTown) August 26, 2017

The 19-year old used that energy to fuel a remarkable third round, which included eight birdies and a course record of 63. Brooke admitted trying to win Canada’s national championship was a difficult challenge. Her final round was off to a shaky start, but she rallied on the back nine, making three birdies in her final seven holes to finish even in her final round. Cristie Kerr waved to her caddy to pause on the 18^th hole so the crowd could acknowledge Brooke. While she may not have won, she was definitely the star of the week and we’re extremely proud of everything she accomplished in front of her home crowd!

Brooke won the Sandra Post Low Canadian award for her performance that saw her six shots behind winner Sung Hyun Park. Brampton’s Brittany Marchand, the only other Canadian to make the cut, finished in a tie for 30^th.

A big congratulation goes out to Sung Hyun Park, the winner of the CP Women’s Open. After already winning the U.S. Women’s Open earlier this year, she is in the midst of an incredible rookie campaign on the LPGA Tour. What’s next for the Korean star? A much-needed vacation to Florida, where she’s planning on hanging out with Mickey and his friends. “I’ve never been to Disney World,” she said. “I think I’ve got to go this time.”