Four Winds Invitational
Blackthorn Golf Club
South Bend, Indiana
June 21, 2015
Sunday Final-Round News & Notes
SOUTH BEND, Ind., June 21, 2015 - Brooke Henderson (Smiths Falls, Ontario) carded a 3-under 69 to win the 2015 Four Winds Invitational by three shots at 10-under 206. Henderson becomes the third youngest winner in the history of the Epson Tour and the second sponsors exemption to win this season (Hannah O’Sullivan - Gateway Classic at Longbow Golf Club).
“It’s amazing to win and I’m so thankful that I got the sponsors exemption this week so I’d be able to play with my older sister,” said 17-year-old Henderson. “I’m very grateful for the win here and I think it will be a big confidence booster moving forward.”
“These are great players out here (on the Epson Tour) and this win is huge for me,” Henderson continued. “I have big goals and this is definitely a stepping stone towards them.”
Henderson played the front nine in 1-under to move to 8-under for the tournament and made the turn in a share of the lead with Dottie Ardina. Then, Ardina made birdie on the tenth hole to take the lead at 9-under. Both Ardina and Henderson made birdie on the 11th hole and Ardina held a one shot lead with seven holes to play.
The momentum shifted in Henderson’s favor on the 12th hole when she made birdie and Ardina made
bogey. Henderson also birdied the 13th hole to move to 11-under. She would cruise to victory as Ardina made four bogeys over five holes between the 12th and 16th holes.
“I was 1-under on the front nine and I knew I was near the lead, but I was kicking myself because I knew I needed to get it going,” said Henderson. “Holes 11 and 12 were huge turning points where Dottie and I kind of switched positions and then I was able to keep it from there.”
Henderson has been very busy and will continue to be, but she is fine with that.
“I’ve been busy, but I wouldn’t change it for the world, it has been a lot of fun,” said Henderson. “People often ask me how busy it is and why I don’t take a week off, but I love being out here and I think every week I am learning a bit more about myself and my game and I think it is helping me be better.”
Brooke’s older sister, Brittany, a Epson Tour member, followed her from hole 16th hole until the end.
“Brittany has been a huge role model for me and this week it has been awesome to be able to play with her,” said Henderson. “I’ve always followed in her footsteps and I was so excited to see her on 16 and have her follow me in. She is one of my best friends, too.”
BIG BREAKER HENDERSON POSTS 7-UNDER 65: Selanee Henderson (Apple Valley, Calif.) started the day ten shots off the lead in a tie for 28th. When she finished at 7-under 65, she was just one back of the leaders as they made the turn. Henderson wound up finished in a 4-way tie for second.
“I’m just so excited,” said Selanee. “I had 34 putts yesterday and just 27 putts today. Finally, it is sinking in that it is doesn’t matter how I’m hitting it, I can get it where I need to get it.”
Selanee has been bothered by her wrist, but she had treatment this morning and felt great on the course.
“It didn’t even cross my mind that I could possibly win because I assumed the leaders would be under par,” said Selanee immediately after her round. “After the eagle, I was like ‘wow, I still have nine holes left’ so I can make some more moves.”