Brooke M. Henderson isn’t laughing at the Tournament of Champions, an LPGA event in Orlando, Florida. She presented the best card for a second straight day on Friday.
• Also read: Brooke M. Henderson performs in Orlando
In search of a 13th career accomplishment, the Ontarian dominates the first competition of the women’s professional circus’ 2023 calendar. After taking a narrow one-shot lead with a 67(-5) shot in the first round, Henderson did it again by dropping six more shots from par.
Her closest pursuer, American Nelly Korda, couldn’t keep up. Uncle Sam’s rep has to settle for a 69 (-3) card and now charges four strikes behind the Maple Leaf.
Henderson had a clean day, but she shone the most in the front nine. Her four consecutive birdies between the second and fifth pennants quickly allowed her to overtake her rivals.
“It’s probably everyone’s goal to get off to a good start,” said the point guard, whose comments were echoed by the Toronto Star. I’m happy that I’ve scored so many birdies in the last two days.”
In addition, the Tournament of Champions includes a Pro-Am component. Celebrities take part in a competition running parallel to the Main Event. Legendary golfer Annika Sorenstam, Henderson’s play partner on Friday, is among them.
“[Henderson] played really, really well, praised the 52-year-old Swede, winner of 72 LPGA Tour titles. I am sure she is very happy. I complimented her several times. It was nice to see how well she plays up close.”
Thompson stays the course
On the PGA side, young American Davis Thompson played with panache in his second straight round to stay ahead ahead of The American Express tournament, held in California.
The one in his first season on the pro circuit took advantage of good weather at the Nicklaus Tournament Course to deliver a card of 64 (-8). He notably managed three eagles after scoring two on Thursday.
However, Thompson has to be wary of Spaniard Jon Rahm, author of a second round of 64 in a row (-8). The latter is two strokes behind the leader at -16.
South Korea’s Tom Kim (62) hit no less than par 10 – a Friday high – to complete the podium.
Among the representatives of the maple leaf, Adam Hadwin (69) is still in first place among his compatriots with rank 46. Taylor Pendrith (67) climbed to 59, while Nick Taylor (71) and Michael Gligic (70) dropped out of the top 100.