Brooke Henderson has been on the LPGA for more than a decade now, but 2026 has surely felt, at times, like a rookie year.
For her entire professional career, Henderson traveled the world with big sister Brittany by her side. Now, with Brittany pregnant with her first child, Henderson begins her fifth tournament of the season with veteran caddie John Killeen at this week’s JM Eagle LA Championship.
“It’s been weird for sure,” said 28-year-old Henderson of life on the road without Brittany. “You know, she’s my best friend, and for 11 years we traveled together and were together basically 24/7 except for off weeks.
“It’s been a big change, but I still talk to her all the time, so that part hasn’t changed too much. But, yeah, just adjusting to the new life out on tour, dealing with what most players have dealt with their entire career, so that’s kind of interesting to learn more about.”
Brittany caddied for 13 of her sister’s 14 LPGA victories and lives close to her in Naples, Florida. The only victory she missed was the first, as both were in the field at the 2015 Cambia Portland Classic.
When Brooke is at home, they still spend a lot of time practicing together, working especially on course management.
Henderson tied for third in her last tournament with Brittany at the season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in late January. After several lackluster events this spring, she finished in the top 25 at the Aramco Championship at Shadow Creek.
Henderson won this week’s event in 2021 when it was held on a different course and known as the Hugel-Air Premia LA Open.
Killeen has caddied on the LPGA for several decades. His wife, Denise, played on the tour, and he’s worked for the likes of Cristie Kerr, Juli Inkster, Meg Mallon and Lizette Salas.
“He’s such an amazing guy is and he has so many connections out here on tour, so that’s been really fun,” said Henderson.
“Just trying to continue to improve and get better. We had a really good finish in Vegas last week or two weeks ago. That felt really good on such a challenging golf course. So I feel like the game is right there and I’m looking forward to having some good weeks coming up.”
Beth Ann Nichols is a senior writer for Golfweek, the former president of the Golf Writers Association of America and a consistent contributor to Golf Channel.
