New Era Begins: Brooke Henderson Reveals Shocking New Caddie Hire as Sister Steps Away for Maternity Leave
In a heartfelt and bittersweet development, LPGA star **Brooke Henderson** is entering a new chapter in her career. Her longtime caddie and older sister, **Brittany Henderson**, has stepped away from the bag to begin maternity leave as she prepares to welcome her first child. The news marks the end of a remarkable decade-long partnership that produced extraordinary success on the tour.
Brittany, who has been on Brooke’s bag since 2015, was instrumental in 13 of Brooke’s LPGA victories, including two major championships. The sisters’ bond extended far beyond the typical player-caddie dynamic—Brittany was not just a trusted advisor on the course but also Brooke’s best friend and constant travel companion. Their collaboration began after Brittany transitioned from her own brief professional playing career to support her younger sister’s rise to stardom. Together, they navigated three Olympic Games, countless pressure-packed moments, and a string of triumphs that established Brooke as one of the most accomplished Canadian golfers in history.
The change became necessary when Brittany and her husband, Zach Sepanik, announced their pregnancy, with their baby expected in June. Brittany caddied for Brooke during the season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in Orlando, Florida, making it a poignant final event for the duo before she officially stepped back. The physical demands and extensive travel of the LPGA schedule made continuing in her role unsustainable during this special time. Brittany has expressed excitement about motherhood while noting that she might return for select events later in the year, such as the CME Group Tour Championship, though her full-time return remains uncertain.
Stepping into the role is veteran caddie **John Killeen**, a highly respected figure on the LPGA circuit with over 40 years of experience. Killeen has worked with prominent players including Cristie Kerr, Juli Inkster, Meg Mallon, and Lizette Salas. His wife, Denise, is a former LPGA Tour player, giving him deep insight into the demands of professional golf. Brooke described the transition as a significant adjustment but expressed optimism about the challenge ahead. She highlighted Killeen’s wealth of knowledge and calm demeanor as assets that will help maintain her competitive edge.
Brooke has been open about the emotional weight of the change. In pre-tournament interviews, she became visibly moved discussing what she would miss most—Brittany’s intuitive understanding, their shared history, and the unspoken communication honed over years of working side by side. Yet, she emphasized her joy for her sister and the new chapter awaiting their family. “Britt and I have worked so well together for the past 10 seasons—and she is my best friend,” Brooke said. “This is going to change a lot of things, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
The announcement underscores the personal side of professional sports, where family milestones often intersect with career demands. For Brooke Henderson, the 2026 season represents both a temporary shift in her support team and a celebration of her sister’s next adventure. As she tees it up with John Killeen on the bag, fans and fellow players alike will watch to see how this new dynamic unfolds. One thing remains constant: the unbreakable Henderson family bond that has fueled so much success and will undoubtedly continue to do so, on and off the course.
This new era is filled with promise, transition, and heartfelt congratulations to Brittany and Zach as they prepare for parenthood. Brooke’s journey continues, now with a seasoned veteran by her side and the love of her family cheering her on from new perspectives.
