Brooke Henderson: A wise head on young shoulders as she prepares for Ricoh Women's British Open

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​Brooke Henderson has faced a lot in her short career so far but now she faces a stern test as she prepares to take on Kingsbarns in her quest to claim the Ricoh Women’s British Open. She already seems to have the measure of the place. 

A confident Henderson told the media that: “I’ve seen the course twice now and very different conditions. You know, yesterday, a lot of sun and very windy, and today not much wind but lots of rain. So I feel like that’s good preparation for later in the week.” 

Perhaps it was youthful confidence but Henderson seems like the kind of player who knows exactly what she is talking about. She likes it here already. She openly admitted that in the past, links golf was not really her thing but now she is ready. 

“I feel better prepared this week and seeing the golf course, I feel if I can hit solid tee shots and get myself in good positions, then I’ll make it a little easier to shoot even or maybe under par.”

That would be impressive on a course like Kingsbarns. In her mind, she knows that this won’t be a birdie fest. The course and ever changing conditions simply won’t let the players rip up the course in the ways they are more used to. Survival and strategy are the keys to victory. 

​“I think there’s holes that definitely you need to make birdie on. Those other holes where if you make par, you’re good, and you kind of move on.” Henderson continued to highlight the need for a strategy by saying that: “I’ll work through a strategy tonight and tomorrow and hopefully when I step on the tee Thursday, I’ll know those holes inside out and be able to perform my best.”

It will be an early start for Brooke as she goes out in group seven at 7:36  in the morning alongside Michelle Wie and Lydia Ko in what stands out as the stellar grouping for the opening two rounds. 

If there was ever a question about pressure then I’d like to think she has already answered it. This kid has an older head on her shoulders that is for sure.