Strong Canadian talent expected at CP Women’s Open

There will be no shortage of Canadian golf talent when the LPGA’s CP Women’s Open takes over Wascana Country Club later this month.

Golf Canada announced a list of 14 players who received exemptions into the tournament including Brooke Henderson, Lorie Kane and Saskatoon’s Anne Young.

Henderson’s name might draw the most excitement from golf fans across the nation. The Smith Falls, Ont., native will compete in her eighth career Canadian Women’s Open.

Henderson, who is ranked at 16 in the LPGA world rankings, will be joined by seven of the world’s top 10 golfers including current world number one Ariya Jutanugarn.

Reigning CP Women’s Open champion Sung Hyun Park will be looking to defend her title at this year’s edition of the tournament. She will have to do this against some of the LPGA’s best which will include Lexi Thompson, Minjee Lee, Jessica Korda, Shanshan Feng, and Anna Nordqvist.

Kane, Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member and CP Ambassador, is a four-time LPGA Tour winner and will make her record-tying 28th start in Canada’s National Women’s Open.

Saskatoon’s Anna Young will hope to feed off a home crowd advantage. The four-time Saskatchewan Women’s Amateur champion will make her first ever start in the CP Women’s Open.

The Team Canada Young Pro Squad will also have representatives competing in the tournament. The trio of Brittany Marchand, Augusta James and Jennifer Ha have all received an exemption to compete in the tournament.

At least 15 Canadians will be included among the 156 competitors who will vie for the US $2.25 million prize.

On Aug. 20, the LPGA Tour will conduct an 18-hole stroke play qualifier at Royal Regina Golf Club to determine the final four exemptions directly into the 2018 CP Women’s Open.