Paula Reto sets course record at CP Women's Open with 9-under 62, takes 2-stroke lead

Hundreds of fans followed local hero Brooke Henderson around Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club, even as her five-year-old course record was falling elsewhere.

South Africa's Paula Reto fired a nine-under 62 to rocket up the leaderboard for a two-stroke lead in the first round of the CP Women's Open on Thursday. That topped Henderson's eight-under 63 in 2017 when the Canadian national women's championship was last held in Ottawa.

Reto wasn't even aware she was making history until she came off the ninth green, having started her round on No. 10.

"I didn't know it was the course record, so kind of finding out after my round takes the pressure off," said Reto, who learned about her new record from an LPGA official as she approached reporters for a post-round interview.

"I'm happy about it. You know, I'm hoping to do some more good rounds coming here."

Reto set a blistering pace in her first nine holes with six birdies to start her day. A birdie on the par-five No. 9 to finish her day clinched the record.

"Usually when I make two, three, birdies I feel like it's going to be a good day whether I either make a few more or not," said Reto. "Under par is always good but to go low is fun and to have no bogeys."

South Korea's Narin An sat in sole possession of second after a seven-under 64. Americans Robyn Ree, Lilia Vu, and Emma Talley were tied for third at six-under 65.

WATCH l Emma Talley hits hole-in-one in 1st round:

Emma Talley hits a hole-in-one at the CP Women's Open

2 years ago

Duration 0:37

American Emma Talley aced the 13th hole during the first round of the CP Women's Open in Ottawa.

Sharp, Szeryk top Canadians

Hamilton's Alena Sharp and Maddie Szeryk of London, Ont., were the top Canadians, finishing the day tied for 16th at four-under 67. Amateur Lauren Zaretsky of Thornhill, Ont., had a hole-in-one to finish her round in a group tied for 30th.

"I just came in with no expectations, really," said Sharp. "Just wanted to get a good feel on that first nine, make good decisions and hit some good shots, and putts went in."

WATCH l Szeryk leads Canadian morning wave:

Maddie Szeryk leads Canadian morning wave at CP Women's Open

2 years ago

Duration 0:50

Maddie Szeryk of London, Ont., carded a 4-under 67 to lead the Canadians in the morning wave during the first round of the CP Women's Open in Ottawa.

Henderson remains star of the show

Henderson, from nearby Smiths Falls, Ont., and Selena Costabile of Thornhill were tied for 51st at two under.

Despite an underwhelming first-round result, the 24-year-old Henderson remained the star of the show. As the winningest professional in Canadian golf history — regardless of gender — and a local hero, she drew fans wherever she went around her home course.

"It was unreal. It's so cool to have that much love and support," said a smiling Henderson. "They're happy even when I bogeyed the last hole. They were still cheering for me.

"It's just an amazing feeling and I can't wait for hopefully a better day tomorrow, and just can't wait to hear some bigger roars."

WATCH l Rejuvenated Henderson returns home for CP Women's Open:

Rejuvenated Brooke Henderson returns home for CP Women's Open

2 years ago

Duration 2:17

Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls Ont., fresh off her 2nd major victory, looks to win the national championship for a 2nd time.

Henderson had a hot start, with three straight birdies to open her round to the delight of the large gallery that followed her around the course. However, a bogey on her fifth hole and then two more on her 16th and 18th holes submarined her day

The 12-time LPGA champion seemed relaxed and confident despite the disappointing finish.

Vancouver amateur Vanessa Zhang and Toronto's Rebecca Lee-Bentham were in a group at one-under 70, and Megan Osland of Kelowna, B.C., had an even-par round.

Amateur Sarah-Eve Rheaume of Boischatel, Que., was one over. Leblanc, Vancouver amateur Michelle Liu, and Brigitte Thibault of Rosemere, Que., who turned professional on Tuesday, were tied at two over.

Valerie Tanguay of St-Hyacinthe, Que., 12-year-old amateur Lucy Lin of Vancouver, and amateur Savannah Grewal of Mississauga, Ont., were in a group at three over. Amateur Yeji Kwon of Port Coquitlam, B.C., shot a four-over 75. Amateurs Katie Cranston of Oakville, Ont., and Monet Chun of Richmond Hill, Ont., had six-over 77 rounds.

All-time Canadian golfing great Lorie Kane of Charlottetown, playing in her final CP Women's Open, was 13 over.

The CP Women's Open has not been held since 2019 because the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the event in back-to-back years.