Brooke Henderson on playing at home, Lorie Kane and her plans for the rink hole

When it comes to the CP Women's Open this year, there's Brooke Henderson and then there's everybody else.

With apologies to a stellar LPGA Tour field, the great majority of eyes at the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club will be on the Canadian golf star from nearby Smiths Falls, Ont., when the tournament starts on Tuesday.

Organizers are expecting record crowds -- and that simply wouldn't be happening without the Brooke boost.

"Not having this tournament for three year almost was crazy," Henderson said Tuesday. "Just to have the love and support of all the people out here -- it's just been practice rounds the past two days and there’s been so many people out watching. It’s just an incredible feeling."

During a one-on-one interview with Adam Stanley, Henderson had a good laugh when she looked at a nearby big screen and saw a commercial featuring herself as she was answering a question about being the face of the tournament.

Henderson, 24, was the star attraction at the same course in 2017 -- she called it a "big learning experience" -- before winning the tournament the following year in Regina.

But there's nothing like playing in Ottawa for Henderson, with bigger crowds featuring familiar faces (she had a big smile talking about reuniting with a Grade 5 teacher on Tuesday).

Here's a look at what Henderson had to say about a variety of topics two days ahead of taking her first shot:

On her recent play (she's second in the LPGA Tour standings)

“The last two months have been really great. To get two wins, including my second major championship (at the Evian Championship in France), it’s awesome. I feel like there’s a lot of momentum, a lot of confidence right now."

On being in the "PGA Tour 2K23 Tiger Woods Edition" video game

“As an athlete you dream of being in a video game. It’s just kind of the ultimate."

On managing her time playing at home

"It’s definitely a balance between enjoying it and staying focused. Really I have a job to do so I’m going to try to do it the best I can. At the same time, just try to smile a little bit and enjoy what a crazy and amazing opportunity it really is."

On a rule change in spring forcing her to ditch her 48-inch driver (with the new maximum 46)

"I'm not a huge fan of that rule change, that's for sure. I've been able to find a driver that's 46 inches that I like a lot. You know, especially the last few months it's worked really well for me, so really happy that we're finally able to find one that's almost as good as my 48 inch. Hopefully that rule will change again and I'll get back to may old driver."

On fellow Canadian Lorie Kane playing her 30th and final CP Women's Open

"Lorie’s incredible. Growing up, she was women’s golf in Canada. I looked up to her and she’s been a great friend and a great mentor I think all of Canada just loves her dearly. It’s sad that it’s her last one but it’s amazing the career she’s had and the lives she’s changed."

On what jersey she'll wear for the No. 17 Rink Hole -- with hockey-style boards surrounding the tees (an idea first used at the men's RBC Canadian Open)

"I've got my Sens jersey out. I'm ready. I think it's really cool. It's fun. Takes some of the unique things that the men have at the RBC Canadian Open and brings it over to the women's side ... I played a practice hole this morning and they were banging on the boards. It's going to be pretty loud, but it reminds me of the good old days when I used to play hockey. I think it will be a lot of fun and just kind of a unique fan experience, which I think all the people coming out will really enjoy."

On the last time she skated and played hockey (she was a goaltender)

"I skated in 2021 on a frozen lake in the winter. I haven't played hockey since I stopped playing back when I was 14. It's been a long time."

On her red shoes for the week

"Skechers is taking care of me this week. Some really cool shoes with Canadian leaves, bright red, which I'm usually white, black, navy, so the red is a little bit bright. But I'm super excited and just proud to be Canadian and proud to be playing this week."

On 12-year-old Canadian Lucy Lin Monday qualifying to become the youngest player in history to play in the event

 "I was in a bunch of Monday qualifiers a few years ago and they're tough, a lot of competition. So it's pretty impressive that she was able to get in. And then playing this week, I played in my first Canadian Open when I was 14 and it was just life changing. I'm sure this week will be huge for her and she'll just really enjoy it and be a huge learning experience, which I think is great."