HARRIS, Mich. — Canadian Brooke Henderson was granted Symetra Tour membership by LPGA commissioner Michael Whan following her win last week at the Four Winds Invitational.
Henderson, who has been playing in professional tournaments this year as a non-member because of her age, carded a 3-under 69 on Sunday at Blackthorn Golf Club to win her first Symetra Tour event by three shots at 10-under 206.
The 17-year-old native of Smiths Falls, Ont. became the third youngest winner in Symetra Tour history and it came just one week after tying for fifth spot at the Women’s PGA Championship, the second of the LPGA Tour’s five majors.
Because Henderson doesn’t turn 18 until Sept. 10, she doesn’t qualify for membership and had to petition Whan to waive the minimum age requirement to be eligible for the Symetra Tour.
"I’m really excited to be a member of the Symetra Tour and that my petition was accepted by Mike Whan and the LPGA," said Henderson.
"I have worked really hard to maximize the playing opportunities on both LPGA and Symetra Tours and to get a win at the Four Winds Invitational feels really good and gets me closer to my goals."
Henderson has committed to play in the Island Resort Championship this week in Harris, Mich. and was already scheduled to play the Tullymore Classic, July 3-5, as a sponsor invite.
Henderson’s $22,500 first-place check for the Four Winds Invitational victory will not count towards the official Volvik Race for the Card money list because she played the event as a non-member. However, any money earned by Henderson at the Island Resort Championship and any Symetra event moving forward will count.
"Since turning professional this year, Brooke has compiled an impressive list of accomplishments including her victory Sunday at the Four Winds Invitational," said chief business officer of the Symetra Tour Mike Nichols. "We welcome her to the Symetra Tour for the remainder of the season as she continues her pursuit of ultimately joining the LPGA Tour."
This year, Henderson has competed in seven LPGA events as a non-member while posting two top-10 finishes and five top-25 results. The Symetra Tour is considered "The Road to the LPGA."