When Brittany Henderson stepped down from caddying for her younger sister after the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in late January to focus on her pregnancy, Brooke Henderson turned to veteran Tour caddie John Killeen.

But Killeen's time on Brooke's bag was short-lived. Around the Mizuho Americas Open on May 30, 2024, Henderson hired her cousin, Ryan Henderson, to carry the bags. At the 2026 KPMG Women's PGA Championship, Henderson explained why working with Ryan was easier for her than with other caddies.

"We grew up playing golf together, so we've always known each other really well, on the course and off," Brooke told reporters.

"I feel like it's been a really smooth transition. He understands the game well, and he knows what I need," Brooke added via a transcript by ASAP Sports.

That familiarity with her game proved crucial as the two adjusted to working together full-time.

Ryan, who primarily worked in renovations, had caddied for both Brooke and Brittany in the past. So he was no stranger to the job. Ahead of the Meijer LPGA Classic in June, Brooke shared that Ryan understands Brooke's game from years of watching her play.

“Anything that I need from him, he’s right there and willing to help,” Brooke added.

“I feel like it’s been a really good partnership so far, and obviously, this week, it’s been going great, so hopefully another good day tomorrow, and I’m excited to continue working with him.”

And even though Brittany is not walking the fairways, she has not disappeared from the team. Brooke still leans on her older sister for advice, just from a distance.

Their dad, Dave Henderson, has long been Brooke’s coach.The Henderson family has quietly built a tight support system: Dave guiding her swing, Brittany offering remote tips from afar, and Ryan carrying the bag

Brooke Henderson shows her best form at Hazeltine

Brooke's 71.47 season average shows steady play this season. However, he hasn't finished in the top 20 in her last 10 tournaments.

But everything changed when she arrived at Hazeltine.

On Thursday morning, just before her first round, Brooke got the best news ever.

Her sister, Brittany, had welcomed her first baby girl. In a beautiful tribute, they named the baby Sahalee, as Brooke won her first major championship 10 years ago at Sahalee Country Club.

"Honestly, I think it's all thanks to my niece coming into this world," Brooke said. "I've just been really happy. I feel like we're riding good energy," she added in the same press conference.

That happiness showed on the course. Brooke played her first round in 69 shots. She didn't stop there.

The two-time major winner shot a 68 on Friday and another 69 on Saturday. She is the only player this week to shoot all three rounds in the 60s.

“I've been working really hard on myself and also my game coming into this week, so I feel like it's nice to see it pay off a bit. But thanks to my niece, I feel like we're riding good energy, and I'm just looking forward to the opportunity tomorrow to hopefully post a good round and just see what happens,” she added.

Now, going into the final round on Sunday, Brooke is in second place, with 10-under. She is one stroke behind South Korea's Haeran Ryu.

Read more at Club Golf!

Written by

Md Saife Fida

Edited by

Koushik Biswas