Canadian Pacific Women's Open LPGA Tour

Ottawa Hunt to host 2017 CP Women’s Open

Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club (ottawahuntclub.org)

OTTAWA – For the fourth time, the stars of the LPGA Tour will light up the nation’s capital as Golf Canada and Canadian Pacific have announced that the 2017 CP Women’s Open will return to Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club in August of 2017 (date TBC) to coincide with Canada’s 150 year celebration.

Through its CP Has Heart campaign, CP will once again be making a significant charitable donation to the host community. In the first three years of CP’s title sponsorship of the event, more than $4.3 million has been raised in support of children’s heart health.

The 2017 edition of the CP Women’s Open will mark the championship’s fourth visit to the nation’s capital and third visit to Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club, which previously hosted in 1994 and 2008.

“We could not be more excited for the return of the CP Women’s Open to Ottawa and the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club in 2017” said Tournament Director Brent McLaughlin. “We are proud to add to the nation’s celebration as Canada turns 150. With an outstanding atmosphere and a passionate golfing community, we are confident Ottawa will be the perfect backdrop for the 45th playing of Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship.”

The announcement of Ottawa as the 2017 host city coincides with Canada’s 150th birthday celebration and builds on a partnership between Ottawa Tourism and Golf Canada.

“We are thrilled to welcome the stars of the LPGA back to Ottawa in 2017,” said Dick Brown, President and CEO for Ottawa Tourism.  “The 2017 CP Women’s Open will be a pinnacle event tied to the Canada 150 celebration. In addition, together with Golf Canada, the region will welcome numerous national and international golf championships between 2015 and 2018.”

In 2008, Katherine Hull-Kirk overcame a 6-stroke deficit to claim her first LPGA Tour title during the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club’s centennial year.

Allan Bulloch, President of the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club recalls how the city embraced the tournament in 2008 and anticipates the Club once again rallying around Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship.

“We are delighted to have been chosen to host the prestigious 2017 CP Women’s Open. This will also be an opportunity for us to show the world class competitors our magnificently redesigned course”

The Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club has welcomed numerous notable championships throughout its 107 years, including the 1994 Du Maurier Ltd. Classic, 2008 Canadian Women’s Open, 1932 Canadian Open and three Canadian Amateur Championships in 1937, 1960 and 1970. The 18-hole championship course that will challenge the world’s best women golfers in 2017 was originally crafted by famed architect Willie Park, and recently redesigned in 2013–2014 by international course designer, Dr. Michael Hurdzan.

The CP Women’s Open consistently draws one of the strongest fields on the LPGA Tour. The 2015 CP Women’s Open saw 97 of the top 100 players on the current LPGA Tour Official Money List compete in the event, including Smiths Falls, Ontario native and recent LPGA winner, Brooke Henderson who was the top Canadian.

First conducted in 1973, Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship has allowed the brightest stars of the LPGA Tour to shine on Canadian soil and to inspire the nation’s next generation of female golfers.

Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club in Calgary hosted the 2016 edition of the CP Women’s Open, where Ariya Jutanugarn came out on top.

Information regarding tickets, volunteer opportunities and corporate hospitality for the CP Women’s Open can be found at www.cpwomensopen.com.

Canadian Pacific Women's Open LPGA Tour

CP names CHEO charity beneficiary for 2017 CP Women’s Open

Bernard Brault/ Golf Canada


​​February is Heart Month and Canadian Pacific (CP) announced two major charity partnerships that will benefit the beautiful hearts of children and adults in Ottawa through the 2017 CP Women’s Open and CFL regular season, playoffs and Grey Cup.

The overall campaign, titled “Beautiful Hearts”, will support the refurbishment of facilities that patients use every day at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) and University of Ottawa Heart Institute and celebrate the resiliency and spirit of the human heart.

CHEO is the official beneficiary of the 2017 CP Women’s Open at the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club, August 21-27. The University of Ottawa Heart Institute will benefit from all funds raised through our partnership with the CFL throughout 2017.

“CP is excited to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary in the nation’s capital while supporting two world-renowned hospitals by bringing the best LPGA golfers and CFL players together,” said Keith Creel, CP President and CEO. “Through CP’s community investment program, CP Has Heart, the ‘Beautiful Hearts’ campaign will bring crucial support to both CHEO and the Ottawa Heart Institute this year.”

Each year, CHEO touches the lives of more than 500,000 infants, children and youth from Eastern and Northern Ontario, Western Quebec and Nunavut. To better care for all of these patients, CHEO will be embarking on a $1.8 million project to upgrade the hospital’s Catheterization Lab and Interventional Suite. A redesigned space, specialized equipment and pediatric specific training will be critically important elements in the health and wellness of CHEO’s patients.

“Technological advancements offering the clearest and most concise images for our doctors are a vital element of the Catheterization Lab and Interventional Suite upgrade that will be funded with the help of CP’s ‘Beautiful Hearts’ campaign,” said Kevin Keohane, CHEO Foundation President and CEO. “The result will be a technologically advanced suite that will allow doctors and technologists to more accurately diagnose, and more gently treat, vulnerable young patients.”

Born with a rare type of congenital heart malformation, Zander Zatylny underwent two open heart surgeries by age one. Now seven, Zander has had eight stents placed into both his right and left pulmonary arteries to improve blood flow. He requires regular monitoring and will need future interventions. He will benefit first-hand from real-time, 3D imaging that will guide his physicians during future procedures.

As children grow into adults, their care transfers to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. Four days after her birth in Vancouver, Olivia Hiddema had her first open-heart surgery. At age two, Olivia and her family moved to Ottawa where the doctors and nurses at CHEO monitored her regularly as she progressed through childhood. When Olivia turned 18, she graduated from CHEO to the Adult Congenital Heart Clinic at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute where she underwent a second open heart surgery at age 20.

Olivia will directly benefit from the University of Ottawa Heart Institute’s largest expansion in its 40 year history, adding 145,000 square feet of state-of-the-art clinical space to the existing facility. This expansion will allow the Institute to continue to serve the cardiac care needs of Canadians, as the referral centre for hospitals throughout Ottawa and Eastern Ontario, Nunavut, and for many more patients from coast-to-coast who come to Ottawa for life-saving procedures.

“The next five years will be the most exciting of the Institute’s history,” said Jim Orban, President and CEO of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation. “Partnerships like the one with CP Has Heart are vital to the Institute’s evolution and support like this ensures that world-class cardiovascular treatment, programs and patient care are available today, shaping the lives of so many Canadians tomorrow.”

This week, as part of the Ottawa Heart Institute’s “February is Heart Month” campaign, CP is matching donations to a maximum of $7,500, turning your support into up to $15,000 for the Heart Institute. Donate at FebruaryisHeartMont​h.ca​.

For every retweet, Facebook share or ‘love’ reaction of the “Beautiful Hearts” video from the @CFL, the League will donate 50 cents to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.

Stay tuned to @CPhasHeart on Facebook and Twitter and at CPHasHeart.ca to see how you can further contribute and help both charities in the coming months.

Canadian Pacific Women's Open LPGA Tour

Alberta kids win big at 2016 CP Women’s Open

CALGARY – Ariya Jutanugarn topped one of the deepest fields on the LPGA tour, including dozens of recent Olympians, to win the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open title, with local kids also winning big thanks to CP’s $2 million donation to the Alberta Children’s Hospital in support of pediatric cardiac care and research.

“It was a tremendous week from start to finish and we couldn’t be prouder of Ariya and our partnership with the Alberta Children’s Hospital,” said E. Hunter Harrison, CP’s CEO. “Having the tournament at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club, in our home city and province, is bitter sweet as it is my last Open as CEO. I will be forever proud of the contributions we have made as a result of our involvement with Golf Canada and the CP Women’s Open – all part of our commitment, through CP Has Heart, to give where we live and operate.”

CP’s donation, one of the largest on the LPGA tour, will support the hospital in researching the development of “liquid biopsy,” a non-invasive procedure that doctors hope will replace invasive tissue biopsies currently used to determine if a child’s transplanted heart is being attacked by his or her immune system. This new approach, in combination with the advanced DNA sequencing technologies at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, can also be used to make a genetic diagnosis for congenital heart disease before a baby is born.

“As a member of the cardiology team at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, I am thrilled with the support they have received from the tournament,” said Dr. Steven Greenway, Pediatric Cardiologist, Alberta Children’s Hospital. “For more than 25 years, the cardiology team at the Alberta Children’s Hospital has been providing leading-edge care for kids in our community. This incredible gift will be used to take our research even further from the lab to the clinic as we develop new, non-invasive tests and personalized treatments for children with heart conditions.”

The final donation total was a result of a number of fundraising initiatives leading up to the conclusion of the golf tournament, including Spruce Meadows Clear Rounds for Heart, Alberta Children’s Hospital Radio-thon and online donation matching.

“The CP Has Heart campaign has brought our community together in a wonderful way. For children who rely on cardiac care and research at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, the 2016 CP Women’s Open has left a life-changing legacy in our city for years to come,” said Saifa Koonar, President and CEO, Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. We are extremely grateful to CP, Golf Canada and Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club for making this memorable event possible!”

In Canada, one in 100 babies is born with a congenital heart disease. Every year in Alberta, that translates to 500 infants – and their families – who find themselves embarking upon a life-altering journey as a result. That includes CP Women’s Open’s Ambassador, Alexa Castillo, and her family. The family was referred to the Alberta Children’s Hospital where doctors told them their daughter would be born with critical aortic stenosis, a life-threatening heart defect where the aorta in her left ventricle does not work properly. At only eight years old, Alexa has had multiple open heart surgeries and will need a lifetime of care from cardiac specialists.

“It has been so humbling to see the community rally around kids like our daughter who need help for their very special hearts,” said Jorge Castillo, Alexa’s father. “The care at the Alberta Children’s Hospital is amazing and this wonderful gift is going to make it even better for children and their families who will need it in the future.”

To coincide with Canada 150 celebrations, next year’s Canadian Pacific Women’s Open will return to the nation’s capital and the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club from August 21 to 27, 2017. CP will announce its charity partner at a later date.

“This week was a fantastic showcase of golf and charitable giving – we congratulate CP, the CP Has Heart program, and everyone involved in the tournament,” said Scott Simmons, CEO of Golf Canada. “We look forward to 2017 in Ottawa when we celebrate Canada’s 150th with an iconic Canadian company and the best golfers in the world.”

Canadian Pacific Women's Open LPGA Tour

Jutanugarn runs away with CP Women’s Open

Ariya Jutanugarn (Golf Canada/ Bernard Brault)

CALGARY – Ariya Jutanugarn ran away with the CP Women’s Open at chilly Priddis Greens for her LPGA Tour-leading fifth victory of the year – all in the last 10 events.

Nine days after withdrawing from the Rio Olympics because of a left knee injury, the 20-year-old Thai player made a 12-foot birdie putt on the final hole for a 6-under 66 and a four-stroke victory.

Bundled up in a winter jacket between shots with the temperature in the lows 50s on the overcast afternoon, the second-ranked Jutanugarn matched the tournament record for relation to par 23-under, set by So Yeon Ryu two years ago at London Hunt Club in Ontario.

After a late meltdown cost Jutanugarn her first LPGA Tour victory in April in the major ANA Inspiration, she broke through in May with three straight victories. She won the Women’s British Open in the event before the Olympics, and made it two-in-a-row on the tour Sunday in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies – blasting 2-irons and 3-woods off the driving holes on the tree-lined course.

South Korea’s Sei Young Kim, a two-time winner this year, was second after a 65.

South Korea’s In Gee Chun, the 2015 U.S. Women’s Open champion, was third at 18 under after a 69.

Canada’s Alena Sharp had the best result of her LPGA Tour career, birdieing the final two holes for a 67 to finish fourth at 16 under. Three-time champion Ko had a 69 to tie for seventh at 13 under.

Canadian star Brooke Henderson shot a 69 to tie for 14th at 11 under. The 18-year-old Henderson beat Ko in a playoff in June in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship for her first major title, and successfully defended her Cambia Portland Classic title last month. She will play in her home province next week in the Manulife LPGA Classic in Cambridge, Ontario.

Canadian Pacific Women's Open LPGA Tour

Thailand’s Jutanugarn leads heading into CP Women’s Open finale

Ariya Jutanugarn (Golf Canada/ Bernard Brault)

CALGARY – Ariya Jutanugarn wasn’t going to let two bogeys in her final three holes get her down.

The 20-year-old from Thailand still shot a solid round of 65 on Saturday to remain atop the leaderboard through three rounds of play at the CP Women’s Open.

“I’m feeling good,” said Jutanugarn, who sat alone in first place at 17 under, two shots clear of South Korea’s In Gee Chun. “I know I had two bogeys in the last three holes, but I still shot 5 under, so I feel good.”

Chun, who started the day three shots behind Jutanugarn, had three birdies on the front nine and three more on the back nine during her bogey-free round of 66 on the par-72, 6,622-yard Raven course layout at the Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club.

“I keep my eye on me,” said Jutanugarn when asked if Sunday’s final round will turn into a two-person race between her and Chun. “Tomorrow I really want to have fun and I really want to be happy on the course, that’s all I want tomorrow.”

Jutanugarn is currently No. 2 in the women’s world golf rankings behind New Zealand’s Lydia Ko and just ahead of Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont.

In just her second year on the LPGA tour, she’s already won four times, including a stretch of three tournament victories in a row in May.

“After I won my first tournament, I kind of know how I play under pressure, so I know when I get really excited what I have to do,” she said.

South Korea’s Sei Young Kim carded a round of 68 to pull into a tie for third at 12 under with Northern Ireland’s Stephanie Meadow, who shot 69.

“I started off great and then kind of had a little lull in the middle, but I hung in there,” said Meadow. “That’s what golf if about. You just keep fighting and hope for the best score at the end.”

Hamilton’s Alena Sharp bounced back from bogeying the second hole with six birdies to shoot a solid round of 67.

“It started off kind of ugly,” said Sharp, who moved into a five-way tie for fifth place with Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist along with Ha Na Jang, Amy Yang and Chella Choi, all from South Korea.

“I was not hitting it well the first nine holes, but I hung in there. I think that’s something that’s gotten better with my game is when it’s not good, I realize, ‘OK, just keep grinding away, it’s going to change,’ and the last six holes were great.”

Henderson shot her second straight round of 4-under 68 to move into a six-way tie for 21st spot at 8 under along with fellow Canadian Maude-Aimee Leblanc, of Sherbrooke, Que.

“I felt way better today and I think feeling the energy from my massive crowds has definitely really helped that,” said Henderson. “Through bad shots and good shots, they’re supporting me and give me a little bit of extra energy and positive vibes. That’s really helped me the last two days.”

Nine shots off the lead, Henderson said she’s just going to try to shoot as low as she can on Sunday to see how far she can climb up the leaderboard.

“I’m hoping to get a top 10,” she said. “Hopefully I’ll get a little bit deeper under par tomorrow and see what happens.”

Calgary’s Jaclyn Lee fell back into a tie for 47th spot at 4 under after shooting 1 over.

“I feel like I was a little slow today, made some good birdies and then made a big number,” said Lee, who’s playing in her first LPGA event as an amateur. “To finish on 18 today and hear the crowd cheer for me, it’s awesome. You have no idea how much support you have until you’re really here and you hear it.”

Quebec City’s Anne-Catherine Tanguay shot 74 and is 1 over for the tournament heading into Sunday’s final round.

Canadian Pacific Women's Open LPGA Tour

Jutanugarn leads heading into weekend at CP Women’s Open

Ariya Jutanugarn (Golf Canada/ Bernard Brault)

CALGARY – No driver, no problem for Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn.

Despite not carrying a driver in her bag, Jutanugarn shot a bogey-free 8-under 64 on Friday to move atop the leaderboard through two rounds of play at the CP Women’s Open.

“I hit my tee shots pretty good and I was calm on every shot, so I feel good,” said the 20-year-old Bangkok native, who’s alone in first place at 12 under after carding eight birdies on the Raven course of the Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club.

“Honestly, I don’t think it suits with my game. To me, it’s a little bit narrow and I can’t hit my driver.”

Not having the big stick didn’t cause any problems for Jutanugarn, who hit 14-of-14 fairways on Friday using either her 3-wood or 2-iron.

“Sometimes I feel more confident with my irons, so I feel like this one I’ve got to make sure it’s in the fairway, so it’s good enough,” said Jutanugarn, who is currently No. 2 in the Rolex women’s world golf rankings behind New Zealand’s Lydia Ko and just ahead of Brooke Henderson from Smiths Falls, Ont. “I mean some weeks I use my driver if it’s wide enough and if I need the distance, but this week I don’t need that.”

South Korea’s In Gee Chun birdied the 17th hole before draining a nine-foot putt for eagle on the 18th to shoot a 5-under 67.

“I had three bogeys today, but it was a really good finish on the 18th hole,” said Chun, whose two-day total of 9 under has put her in striking distance of accomplishing what she set out to do at the start of the four-day tournament. “My goal is top three this week, so I can try.”

Northern Ireland’s Stephanie Meadow followed up her round of 66 on Thursday with a 69 on Friday to pull into a tie with Chun for second spot.

Ko also shot 69 to put her in a five-way tie for fourth spot with Sei Young Kim, Hyo Joo Kim, Mi Jung Hur and Chella Choi, all of whom hail from South Korea.

“I played pretty solid the past few days,” said Ko, who has won the Canadian Open in three of the past four years including last year at the Vancouver Golf Club in Coquitlam, B.C. “There’s still a lot of golf to be played. Right now I feel like I’m playing solid, so it’s a good position going into the weekend.”

Choi finished up the final four holes of her first round early on Friday morning after play was suspended the night before due to darkness. She had the first round lead of 7-under 65, but fell out of top spot after shooting 71 during her second trip around the par-72, 6,622-yard layout.

Thailand’s Budsabakorn Sukapan shot 66 in Round 2 and is tied for ninth spot at 7 under with South Korea’s Amy Yang, Norway’s Suzann Petterson and a pair of Japanese golfers in Sakura Yokomine and Ai Miyazato.

Maude-Aimee Leblanc, of Sherbrooke, Que., sank a long putt from off the green on the 18th hole to finish her second round with an eagle.

“I know the greens are super fast, so I just know I had to roll it on the green and then the green was going to do the rest,” said Leblanc. “Fortunately I did the job and it’s a good way to finish.”

After carding her second straight score of 69, Leblanc is in a tie for 14th spot at 6 under with five other golfers including Hamilton’s Alena Sharp.

“It’s always good to see the Canadian flag on the leaderboard no matter where we are, but definitely this week,” said Sharp. “I know in the past we’ve done well as a group, the Canadians, so it’s nice to see halfway through we’ve got some people up there. Hopefully we can continue it on the weekend.”

Calgary’s Jaclyn Lee followed up the 69 she shot in Round 1 with a 70 to put her in a tie for 20th place at 5 under, one shot ahead of Henderson, who carded a respectable round of 4-under 68.

“I’m feeling pretty good,” said Lee, who’s playing in her first LPGA event as an amateur. “These past two days have been really fun, incredible ? just a great experience. It’s been a bonus on top of that to play well.”

Quebec City’s Anne-Catherine Tanguay was the only other Canadian to qualify to play on the weekend as her two-day total of 1 under put her right on the cut line with a host of other players.

Toronto’s Rebecca Lee-Bentham along with Brittany Marchand, of Orangeville, Ont., and Jessica Wallace of Langley, B.C., all finished at even par to miss the cut by one shot.

Canadian Pacific Women's Open LPGA Tour

Meadow takes clubhouse lead at weather-delayed CP Women’s Open

Stephanie Meadow (David Cannon/Getty Images)

CALGARY – Stephanie Meadow didn’t mind the inclement weather conditions during the first round of the CP Women’s Open Thursday.

After a lightning delay that lasted nearly three hours, Meadow didn’t miss a beat as she birdied her final two holes to take the clubhouse lead at 6-under 66 before play was eventually suspended because of darkness.

South Korea’s Chella Choi, who teed off with the afternoon group, is 7 under through 14 holes and will have to finish her first round Friday morning. Karine Icher joined Meadow at 6 under through 14 holes and will also finish Round 1 Friday morning.

Golfers also had to battle windy, rainy and chilly conditions, which Meadow often endured while growing up in Jordanstown, Northern Ireland.

“My caddie always jokes that when it’s windy I always play great, so I guess that’s kind of my deal,” said Meadow, who had seven birdies and one bogey on Thursday. “Being from Ireland, that’s just part of it.

“It’s nice to know that I can play in those conditions. I’ve done it a lot, even though it’s when I was little, but I’ve still done it and scored, so I know I can do it.”

Choi and Icher return to the course at 7:15 a.m. MST on Friday along with 52 other golfers to finish their rounds.

The group tied for fourth at 67 includes Lydia Ko, the Olympic silver medallist from New Zealand, who is No. 1 in the Rolex women’s world golf rankings.

“I played solid – birdied the first hole straight off the bat, so when you make a birdie in the first round on the first hole, it gives you good momentum,” said Ko, who has won the CP Women’s Open in three of the past four years including last year at The Vancouver Golf Club in Coquitlam, B.C., when she beat American Stacy Lewis in a playoff.

South Korea’s Mirim Lee held the early lead of 5 under through 13 holes when players were shuttled off the course due to lightning in the area at 11:44 a.m.

When play resumed nearly three hours later at 2:40 p.m., Lee bogeyed the 14th hole before bouncing back with a birdie on 15 and three straight pars to card a score of 67.

Mi Jung Hur, also of South Korea, then birdied the 18th hole just after Lee signed her scorecard to pull into a tie for the lead.

“I was here about seven years ago and I have good memories,” said Hur, who finished in a tie for 16th the last time the Canadian Open was held in Priddis in 2009. “But this year the conditions are super nice. The greens are super fast. I think this is the fastest greens I’ve ever had on the Tour.”

Ko finished her round of 67 a short time later, while Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn also moved into a tie for fourth after getting to 5 under through 14 holes before play was suspended.

Brooke Henderson, the 18-year-old from Smiths Falls, Ont. who is No. 3 in the Rolex rankings, was scheduled to tee off at 1:31 p.m., but didn’t hit her first shot until nearly three hours later.

Through 15 holes, Henderson sat in a tie for 46th spot with a host of other golfers at 1 under.

Hamilton’s Alena Sharp was one of the golfers who started in the afternoon and was also able to finish her round. She carded a score of 4-under 68 and is tied as the top Canadian with Calgary’s Jaclyn Lee, an amateur who ended the night at 4 under through 13 holes.

Maude-Aimee LeBlanc, of Sherbrooke, Que., also had a solid round in the afternoon of 3-under 69.

Toronto’s Rebecca Lee-Bentham and Jessica Wallace, of Langley, B.C., were the top Canadians after the morning round as both shot scores of 2-under 70.

“It was up and down,” said Lee-Bentham, who bogeyed her final hole. “I had two three-putts today. It’s a little frustrating because the greens are tough here but overall it was a solid round.”

Playing in her last LPGA event, Bentham will retire at the age of 24 after the tournament. She’s been playing the Symetra Tour, the official developmental golf tour of the LPGA Tour, where uncertainty and expenses have caused her to rethink her future, including a possible return to school.

The $2.25-million CP Women’s Open was last held in Priddis, southwest of Calgary, in 2009 and runs through Sunday. The purse includes $337,500 for the winner.

Brooke Henderson Canadian Pacific Women's Open LPGA Tour

Ko, Henderson set for CP Women’s Open

Brooke Henderson (Golf Canada/ Bernard Brault)

CALGARY – Brooke Henderson is the face of Canadian golf. Lydia Ko is a big hit, too – and every bit as comfortable.

“I feel when I come to Canada, it feels a lot like New Zealand, feels a lot like home,” Ko said Wednesday, a day before the start of play in the CP Women’s Open. “Just even how they say ‘eh’ at the end of sentences. A lot of people back at home say ‘eh,’ too. … Everyone has just been super welcoming, and I think that’s the thing about it. ”

The 18-year-old Henderson had a large crowd for her pro-am round at Priddis Greens.

“Having Canadians and people from all over the world kind of celebrate this national championship is really cool,” Henderson said. “Even this morning, I teed off at 8 in a pro-am, and there were people following me right from the start. My gallery kind of grew throughout the day, and as I finished, that was probably the longest autograph session that I’ve ever had.”

The top-ranked Ko has won the event three of the last four years, the first two as an amateur. The New Zealander won in 2012 at Vancouver Golf Club at 15 years, 4 months to become the LPGA Tour’s youngest winner and fifth amateur champion. She successfully defended her title in 2013, winning by five strokes in Edmonton. Last year back at Vancouver as a pro, she beat Stacy Lewis in a playoff.

The 19-year-old Ko has four LPGA Tour victories this season, winning the ANA Inspiration in April for her second major title.

“Lydia is truly amazing,” Henderson said. “She’s an inspiration to me and I think everybody that knows her.”

Henderson beat Ko in a playoff in June in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship for her first major title, and successfully defended her Cambia Portland Classic title in early July.

“She’s not afraid to be out in front,” veteran Canadian player Lorie Kane said. “I truly respect the way she plays in that she’s accepting of what happens and she moves past it. I’ve had enough time to play with her to see she’s got all kinds of game. She swings a very big driver a very long way and I’m extremely proud of her.”

Ko was second last week in the Rio Olympics, five strokes behind winner Inbee Park.

“It’s definitely a quick turnaround, but this is one of our best tournaments on our tour schedule, so even the girls that were in Rio I think we’re all excited to be here,” Ko said. “Last week, the course was a little bit like sand belt with a little bit of British flair. This is a bit more traditional. … It’s firm and fast. Last week, we were wearing shorts. This week, we’re wearing sweaters.”

Henderson tied for seventh in Rio.

“Rio was kind of just a sixth major on the LPGA Tour,” Henderson said. “Of course, there was lots of other things going on. … It was cool, but the end of the day it was just four rounds of golf, regular stroke play individual that we do every single week, playing against the same players we play against every week.”

Ko and Henderson are on opposite sides of the draw. Ko will open play Thursday morning on the 10th tee with Jessica Korda and Sei Young Kim, and Henderson will start on No. 1 in the afternoon with Gerina Piller and Amy Yang.

Kane, at 51, is making her record-tying 26th straight appearance in the event. The four-time LPGA Tour winner is being inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.

“I’m proud of myself. I’ve accomplished some things that I never thought would have been possible,” Kane said. “To think in 20 years what I have achieved – the four wins? It took me a long time to win the first one and then the next three came pretty quickly after that.”

Kane will match the tournament record for consecutive starts set by Hollis Stacy.

Suzann Pettersen won the 2009 tournament at Priddis Greens.

The tour will remain in Canada next week for the Manulife LPGA Classic in Cambridge, Ont., with Pettersen the defending champion.

Brooke Henderson Canadian Pacific Women's Open PGA TOUR

Henderson arrives in Calgary for 2016 CP Women’s Open

Bernard Brault/ Golf Canada

PRIDDIS, Alta. – Canadian golf sensation Brooke Henderson spent well over an hour hammering balls on the driving range at Priddis Greens on Monday as veterans and rookies alike marvelled at her amazing year heading into this week’s CP Women’s Open.

Henderson, just back from the Summer Olympics in Rio, signed a couple of autographs before retiring to the driving range – working out the kinks as rain started to fall and a blustery west wind continued to blow at her back.

Her success and work ethic have not gone unnoticed.

“I think it’s very inspirational to be honest,” said Victoria’s Naomi Ko, a talented amateur who gained an exemption into the CP Women’s Open. “It kind of gives me a way to give myself a chance and know if they can do it I can give myself a chance and hopefully succeed like they do.”

Ko, like Henderson, is 18 and said Henderson’s play isn’t a surprise to anyone who knows her.

“She’s been playing really well but she’s always been a great player,” Ko said. “She’s always been and I think it was just a matter of time for her to get used to it.

“It’s amazing. It’s making Canada proud.”

Stephanie Meadow, an Irish professional golfer who made her debut at the 2014 U.S. Women’s Open, sees a lot of similarities between Henderson and three-time Canadian Open winner Lydia Ko.

“First off they’re both great people,” said Meadow, who represented Britain at the Rio Olympics. “I’ve played a lot with Brooke and a few times with Lydia and I can’t say enough good things about them.

“Golf-wise they’re fantastic players. They’re extremely consistent. Brooke hits it a long way for her size and fights it out. They’re mentally very tough.”

Tournament director Brent McLaughlin said because the CP Women’s Open is a national championship, it’s a major in the eyes of many competitors.

He also couldn’t say enough about the kind of year Henderson is having.

“It truly is a joy to watch someone like that grow up in front of your eyes and be so beyond her years,” he said. “She’s exactly what Canada needed.

“They needed a great hero on the women’s golf side. She is that.”

McLaughlin said Henderson has been embraced by the LPGA Tour much like Canadian Eugenie Bouchard was in the world of tennis.

“All sports need heroes and if you don’t have a young hero in your sport _ it’s tough,” he said. “You need heroes that you root for and Brooke, whether she likes it or not, is that in Canada.

“She means everything to the game.”

The $2.25-million Canadian Open, which begins Tuesday and runs through Sunday, returns to Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club, southwest of Calgary, after a stop there in 2009. The lucrative purse _ which includes $337,500 for the winner _ is expected to lure the game’s stars out of any post-Rio fatigue.

Tour veteran Lorie Kane of Charlottetown will join Henderson in the Canadian contingent after her induction into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame on Tuesday.

Canadian Pacific Women's Open LPGA Tour

CP Has Heart events headline spectator activities at 2016 CP Women’s Open

CALGARY – Golf Canada, Canadian Pacific (CP) and a host of partners have unveiled a listing of exciting events set to take place during the 2016 CP Women’s Open to be hosted at Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club from August 22 to 28.

The CP Has Heart Activity Zone will encompass several activities for spectators of all ages with funds raised going towards pediatric cardiac care and research at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Throughout tournament week, fans can take part in the free CP Hole-in-One for Heart activity for their shot at great prizes, including a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Participants who hit the green will have $50 donated on their behalf by CP.

Also housed within the CP Has Heart Activity Zone is the Long Putt Challenge which invites spectators to test their skills on a miniature replica of Priddis Greens’ beautiful 18th hole for a chance at a number of prizes. Funds collected from the $5 activity will be matched by CP.

The 2016 edition of CP Birdies for Heart will see CP donate $5,000 for every birdie made by a player on the 18th hole during tournament play. For $20, spectators can upgrade their tickets to enter the 18th Green CP Fan Zone to cheer on their favourite players. Premium covered seating, player meet-and-greets, giveaways and more await these fans. All funds collected will be matched by CP and donated to the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

Sure to be a fan-favourite event, WestJet’s Closest to the Pin Toss offers spectators the chance to win a flight for four. Fans can purchase mini-balls from WestJet volunteers around the course and then participate in a ball toss on the 18th green at the end of each tournament round, with all proceeds benefiting the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

Those of legal drinking age are invited to visit the Molson Canadian 67 19th Hole Beer Garden. Fans can take in the sights and sounds from the 44th playing of Canada’s National Women’s Open Golf Championship from a Muskoka Chair with a Molson Canadian 67 in hand. Spectators are welcome to try the iconic red Molson Canadian 67 “Chip in” fridge to win prizes, before sampling Molson Canadian 67’s newest offering, the Session IPA.

The CP Women’s Open will once again celebrate Canada’s Championship with Red and White Day on Friday, August 26. Players, families and fans are invited to wear their brightest reds and whitest whites to support Canadian golf.

Located in Spectator Village, in partnership with Alberta Golf, the Golf Canada Golf Zone offers free fun activities for the whole family. Fans can pose for a picture with the CP Women’s Open trophy or the 1904 Olympic Trophy, before enjoying a free bag of popcorn and signing-up for a free Golf Canada membership.

The 2016 CP Women’s Open is more than just 72 holes of world-class golf – it is one of Canada’s most historic sporting events with a number of activities for golf and sport enthusiasts both inside and outside the ropes. Spectator Village, with its fan-friendly activities from tournament supporting partners such as AutoCanada, SourPuss Nocturne, TaylorMade, Delta Calgary South, and the Canadian Armed Forces, promises to deliver an exciting experience for fans of all ages.

A full listing of events and activities can be found here.

Free Admission for Juniors and First Responders…

Golf Canada and CP are proud to offer free admission to the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open to any spectator aged 17-and-under. The free junior pass is available here. Parents of juniors can take advantage of discounted tickets by using the promotional code JUNIOR and clicking here.

As a small token of appreciation for all the valued work they do in the communities they serve, we’ve also extended a complimentary invitation to the CP Women’s Open to all Southern Alberta First Responders and their families.

Tickets…

Juniors – 17 & Under Free
First Responders Free
Early Week (Mon-Wed) $10.50
Anyday Grounds (Thurs-Sun) $31.50
Weekly (Mon-Sun) $78.75

First conducted in 1973, Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship has allowed the brightest stars of the LPGA Tour to shine on Canadian soil and inspire the nation’s next generation of female golfers.