If the notion that Brooke Henderson was toying with the 2014 Women’s Porter Cup field danced among your thoughts, you can be both forgiven and vindicated. The high school lass opened with a 75 on a Wednesday that had followers wondering if her 3rd-place ranking in world amateur golf was justified. Seven rounds of 71 or better were posted and Henderson found herself with quite a gap to close. It didn’t get any better on Thursday, when Henderson signed for a three-under 68 and still lost ground to Canadian National Team colleague Jennifer Ha, who followed an opening 69 with a wonderful 65 and a three-stroke lead on the field.
Then came Friday the 13th and Henderson found the magic. Her sister, Brittany, took over her bag as caddie and the fireworks began. Brooke Henderson made a fistful of birdies and eagles, set a women’s course record 62 (nine under par) and swept the 2nd Women’s Porter Cup title away from Jennifer Ha, who tied for second with Princess Superal of the Philippines. The difference on the day was putting. Henderson made everything she looked at, all day. In contrast, Ha made absolutely nothing, including a number of missed short putts that contributed to her score of 74.
Henderson, sixth-place finisher Jessica Porvasnik, and ninth-place finisher Hannah Pietila will travel to Pinehurst, North Carolina, next week for the 2014 USGA Women’s Open championship. Last year at Sebonack Golf Club on Long Island, Henderson made the cut at the tender age of 15. Let’s not talk of pipe dreams; another made cut for Henderson is the only immediate goal. Anything beyond is frosting on the Porter Cup cake.
Photos courtesy of Alex Fisher Photography
