Brooke Henderson has "decided to petition the LPGA for a waiver of its rule requiring all members to be at least 18 years old" after the 17-year-old's win in last weekend's Cambia Portland Classic, according to Randall Mell of GOLFCHANNEL.com. IMG's Kevin Hopkins, Henderson's agent, indicated that his client will ask LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan "to waive the rule, which would allow her to become a full-fledged LPGA member immediately." Mell notes "similar waivers" were granted to Lexi Thompson and Lydia Ko after they won tournaments prior to their 18th birthday. The Henderson family "expects Whan to rule favorably on the waiver request" as early as today. Henderson would be "exempt through the end of next year" if the waiver is granted (GOLFCHANNEL.com, 8/18). In Vancouver, Brad Ziemer notes Henderson is having to play this week's CP Women's Open "on a sponsor's exemption." After this week, she will have "used up all her sponsor's exemptions," and is "still not eligible to play the remainder" of the '15 LPGA schedule without a waiver (VANCOUVER SUN, 8/18).
THE CENTRE OF ATTENTION: In Vancouver, Ed Willes reports Henderson, the first Canadian to win an LPGA event since '01, has "suddenly become the It Girl" on the LPGA tour, as well as a "burgeoning crossover star in her game and her country." She "sent a lightning bolt through the golf world" with a record-breaking performance in Portland (Vancouver PROVINCE, 8/18). In Ottawa, Ken Warren notes Henderson "carries all the promise of becoming the poster girl for Canadian golf," but she and her team "must be wary of the Eugenie Bouchard-type mania which can suddenly sidetrack young star athletes." While Henderson has "clearly proven she can thrive alongside the world's best players, there is a reason why players can't become full-time members of the LPGA until they turn 18." It is "all about a concern of too much, too soon," and there is a "history of young players -- in all sports -- who have struggled with the spotlight" (OTTAWA CITIZEN, 8/18). TSN.ca's Bob Weeks noted Henderson likely will be "front and centre all week" at the Canadian Open, and that "may very well be the next part of maturing as a professional." Weeks: "With so much attention, lots of offers from media and sponsors -- not just this week but in the coming months -- she'll need to learn how to say no. To ensure she reserves time for her game and her practice" (TSN.ca, 8/17).
APPROACH SHOT: In Seattle, Scott Hanson notes Sahalee Country Club will host next year's KPMG Women's PGA Championship, and Whan yesterday while promoting the tourney said that it "will be like an Olympic event, with players from 30 different countries and people from 170 countries watching on television." But it was "another difference Whan really emphasized." Whan: "The accessibility and the interaction of the players is different. Our players will stay in people’s homes." LPGA player Sadena Parks said, "They will get to know the girls a little better and they will see how we connect with our fans, and how we show appreciation that they are watching us. You’ll see a lot of smiling faces, you’ll see a lot of creativity. You’ll see our friendships out here and how supportive everyone is.” Hanson notes this "will be the LPGA’s first event in the area in 16 years" (SEATTLE TIMES, 8/18).
