For over half a decade, Brooke Henderson and her older sister, Brittany Henderson, have formed one of the most recognizable and tight-knit duos on the LPGA Tour. Brittany, not just Brooke’s sibling but also her trusted caddie, has been a vital part of the Canadian golfer’s success since 2016. But in June 2021, that partnership was unexpectedly disrupted—not due to injury or strategy, but because of a bureaucratic hurdle.
A Rare and Frustrating Absence
The event was the 2021 Meijer LPGA Classic in Michigan, a tournament that held special meaning for Brooke. She had won the title twice, including in 2019, when she became the most decorated Canadian professional golfer—male or female—with her ninth LPGA title. The location even honored her legacy, as players and fans drove in along “Brooke Henderson Drive” leading to the Blythefield Country Club clubhouse.
However, this emotional homecoming lacked a key figure. Brittany Henderson was unable to caddie due to visa complications. After marrying American LPGA communications staffer Zach Sepanik in 2020, Brittany had applied for a spousal visa to remain in the United States. The switch from a work visa to a new residency status, however, required her current visa to lapse—and until her new paperwork was processed, she was legally unable to work in the U.S., including serving as her sister’s caddie.
This bureaucratic delay, which might seem minor to some, was a major disruption for Brooke. For the first time since 2016, she was forced to compete without her sister on the bag.
“Sometimes it seems to be quite the challenge when things don’t really go your way, like losing your caddie,” Brooke said that week. “But at the same time, it’s just life. Things are going to happen. Hopefully sooner or later Brit is back on the bag.”
Brooke Henderson, Meijer LPGA Classic 2021
Adjusting to Change
To fill the void, Brooke enlisted veteran caddie Everette Nini, who had previously worked with LPGA players like Tiffany Joh and Mariah Stackhouse. While Nini brought valuable experience, the chemistry Brooke had with Brittany couldn’t be replaced so easily.
“Brit pretty much reads my mind out there a lot of time,” Brooke remarked. “So just learning to deal with speaking what I’m thinking a little bit more and just being able to adjust to things like that.”
Brittany’s absence was more than logistical; it was emotional. Their bond extended far beyond caddie-player communication. They’d traveled the world together, shared triumphs and setbacks, and celebrated milestone victories as a family. Brittany was more than just someone who handed clubs—she was a calming presence, an intuitive guide, and a constant source of support in the high-pressuree environment of professional golf.
A Quick Resolution and Happy Reunion
Thankfully, the separation didn’t last long. Just weeks later, ahead of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, Brittany’s visa issues were resolved, and she was able to rejoin her sister on the course. The reunion brought immediate comfort to Brooke, who emphasized how much she valued their partnership.
Since then, the Henderson sisters have resumed their journey together on the LPGA Tour. Through wins, close calls, and all the ups and downs that professional golf entails, Brittany remains an integral part of Brooke’s team.
Their relationship continues to inspire fans—especially young athletes who see the power of family support in professional sports. For Brooke, having Brittany by her side isn’t just a preference; it’s a competitive advantage.
The Bigger Picture
Visa challenges are a common but often overlooked hurdle for international athletes and their teams. The Henderson story shed light on how even the most accomplished professionals can be sidelined—not by injury or poor form, but by red tape. In a global sport like golf, where players travel extensively and often rely on family members in supporting roles, such issues are increasingly relevant.
For Brooke Henderson, that one tournament without her sister was a reminder of just how special—and rare—their bond is. It was also a testament to her resilience. Though disappointed, she kept her focus, adjusted her approach, and carried on—just as she always does.
As of 2025, the Henderson sisters are still a force on the LPGA Tour. And with Brittany back on the bag, Brooke continues to chase more titles, more history, and more shared moments with the sister who’s been with her every step of the way.