Golf: Canadian teen star set to play NZ Open

Brooke Henderson will play at the New Zealand Open. Photo / Photosport

Canadian teenage golf sensation Brooke Henderson is the second LPGA Tour top-15 star to confirm her place in the New Zealand Women's Open this September in Auckland.

Henderson, who beat Kiwi Lydia Ko in a playoff to win the US PGA title last year, is 15th in the world rankings.

Ko will also contest the NZ Open at Windross Farm Golf Course at Ardmore from September 28, the first LPGA event to be held here.

McKayson New Zealand Open director Michael Goldstein said the announcement is great news for the tournament.

"We want to bring some of the world's best women's golfers to New Zealand, and Brooke is most definitely one of the stars of the LPGA Tour," he said.

"She is to Canadian golf what Lydia Ko is to New Zealand. She is a young and exciting player who has already proved she can beat the best in the world. To confirm a reigning major champion is an exciting addition to the tournament and we look forward to welcoming Brooke to Auckland."

Henderson won three times on the Canadian Tour while still an amateur before moving to the professional ranks aged 17, winning a Symetra Tour event in her first pro start before a sponsor invitation led to a tie for fifth at the US Open in 2015.

Her victory in the Portland Open in 2015 earned her promotion to the LPGA where she has been a commanding performer in the past 18 months, climbing at one point to No2 in the world.

Henderson said Ko's influence plays a significant part in her golfing career.

"Lydia really is amazing and such a nice person as well," Henderson said. "I look up to her and I think we both have fed off each other a little bit. I am always chasing her and her accomplishments have helped me chase after my goals as well."

Family is a big part of golf life for Henderson, with sister Brittany her full-time caddie and father Dave her coach.

The organisers expect to name further players in the coming weeks.