Brooke Henderson is stepping onto the course at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions with newfound confidence as she embarks on the 2025 LPGA season without her trademark glasses. The Canadian professional golfer underwent significant eye surgery last September, which paved the way for her to switch to contact lenses. This marks her first competition without spectacles since August 2023, and she is eager to shake off the difficulties of her previous season.
The 27-year-old Henderson, who made her LPGA Tour debut at the tender age of 17, has achieved remarkable success over the past decade. She has garnered 13 LPGA titles, including two major championships. Despite her achievements, 2024 was challenging for the star athlete. Her best performance came at the Chevron Championship, where she managed to secure third place. Overall, the season left her feeling far from the consistency she had shown earlier. "I think the main thing for me is trying to get off to little bit quicker starts Thursday, Friday to allow myself abetter opportunity to be in the final groups on the weekend," Henderson shared, emphasizing her goal of improving her performance this year.
Last year, discomfort from her visual impairments significantly impacted her gameplay. Henderson faced significant optical challenges, as prolonged exposure to the elements led to vision problems. Her reliance on glasses became more of hindrance than help, as she reflected, "The glasses always seemed to be in the way a little bit." Despite having made significant achievements, the limitations of her glasses affected her results, prompting her to seek surgical solutions.
Now, after undergoing Pterygium surgery and recovering, Henderson feels liberated. "Now with them (glasses) off I feel much more free," she remarked, expressing her optimism about the upcoming season. The contacts have seemingly already made differences on the range, which is encouraging as she aims for her first win since triumphing at the Tournament of Champions last year.
This week, she joins past champion Lydia Ko at the Tournament of Champions, which brings together the winners from the previous LPGA season. Henderson has consistently performed well at this tournament, finishing within the top 10 for the past five years. Her most recent victory here came just last year when she dominated, claiming the title with a four-stroke lead. With her recent eye surgery and renewed vision, expectations are higher for Henderson as she heads back to the same venue.
"For me, when the putter is rolling well I'm usually in the mix," Henderson noted, highlighting the importance of her putting game. She’s concentrated on fine-tuning every aspect of her game, particularly her putting, which has been her focus throughout her career. With her contacts, she expects to see improvements not right away but gradually. Her first target is clear: another win at the Tournament of Champions.
Fans are buzzing with excitement as they anticipate watching Henderson compete again. The motivation is palpable, and many hope to witness her resurgence after overcoming difficulties stemming from her visual impairments.
Brooke Henderson is not just returning to the LPGA Tour; she is coming back with purpose, and eager to reclaim her position among the elite. The change might seem simple, but shedding her glasses symbolizes significant strides forward personally and competitively. Will she be able to translate this newfound confidence and clarity onto the course once more? Only time will tell as she aims to kickstart her 2025 season with success here at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.