Brooke Henderson narrowly missed a 3rd major title in France, then celebrated a life-changing moment 2 days later. The 28-year-old Canadian became engaged to Minnesota Twins pitching prospect Ricky Castro on July 14, shortly after her playoff loss to Haeran Ryu at the Evian Championship.
Henderson and Castro shared the news Sunday in a joint Instagram post, calling the occasion “the beginning of forever.” Their announcement brought a joyful conclusion to a week that had already tested Henderson at the highest level of her sport.
She erased a 7-shot final-round deficit, forced a playoff with an eagle on the 72nd hole, and pushed Ryu into sudden death. Henderson and Castro began dating in March 2025 after meeting in Naples, Florida, where she owns a home. Their engagement now connects 2 athletes working through very different professional seasons.
Henderson Nearly Completed a Historic Evian Comeback
Henderson began the final round 7 shots behind Ryu and fired a 7-under 64 for the 2nd straight day. Her charge included a hole-in-one and 3 eagles. The final eagle came at the par-5 18th and forced a playoff at 19-under.
Ryu settled the tournament on the 1st extra hole with a birdie, while Henderson made par.
The performance reinforced Henderson’s status among the leading players in women’s golf. She set an LPGA Tour record with 6 eagles in the same tournament, recorded a 2nd consecutive top-3 finish, and maintained her perfect cut record across every major this season.
Henderson also sits No. 13 in the world and No. 11 in the Race to the CME Globe. While she left France without the trophy, her control, aggression, and scoring bursts showed why another major championship remains within reach.
A Relationship Built Around 2 Demanding Schedules
Henderson and Castro met in Naples before beginning their relationship in March 2025. Since then, Henderson has continued travelling across an international LPGA calendar, while Castro has worked through the Twins system and the uncertainty of minor league baseball.
“We are beyond excited and blessed to announce our engagement with one another,” Henderson and Castro wrote in their joint Instagram post.
The couple already understands the challenges created by professional sports. Henderson competes across several countries and continents. Castro spends much of his season with the St. Paul Saints, balancing long road trips, changing assignments, and his pursuit of a major league opportunity.
Their announcement focused on gratitude, commitment, and the future they plan to build together. It also arrived during an important period in both careers.
Castro Continues His Climb Through the Twins System
Minnesota signed Castro to a minor league contract in May 2024. The right-handed pitcher moved from Fort Myers to Cedar Rapids and Wichita before reaching Triple-A St. Paul.
Castro has recorded 2 wins and 1 loss with a 4.13 ERA in 10 appearances for the Saints, including 4 starts. Those numbers reflect a pitcher still working to establish his role within the organization.
He returned from the 7-day injured list on July 11, just 3 days before the engagement. Public transaction records did not identify the injury, so further details remain unavailable. His activation returned him to the Saints roster as the second half of the minor league season began.
The timing added another layer to the couple’s week. Henderson had just completed a major championship run. Castro had only recently resumed his own season.
Henderson Turns Toward the Final Major
Henderson’s next major target is the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham and St. Annes, scheduled from July 30 through August 2. The championship carries a $10 million purse and closes the 2026 major schedule.
She will arrive as a 14-time LPGA Tour winner, a 2-time major champion, and one of the strongest performers from the current major stretch. Her most recent victory came at the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open in Canada, where she will return as defending champion in August.
Henderson now moves forward with a runner-up finish behind her and a lifelong commitment ahead. The golf calendar will keep moving, as will Castro’s baseball season. For 2 athletes accustomed to chasing the next result, this week gave them something far more permanent.
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FAQs
Who is Brooke Henderson engaged to?
Brooke Henderson is engaged to Ricky Castro, a right-handed pitcher in the Minnesota Twins organization who has played for Triple-A St. Paul.
When did Brooke Henderson and Ricky Castro get engaged?
Henderson and Castro became engaged on July 14, 2026, 2 days after her Evian Championship playoff loss.
How did Brooke Henderson finish at the Evian Championship?
Henderson tied Haeran Ryu at 19-under after regulation. Ryu defeated her on the 1st sudden-death playoff hole.
How many LPGA Tour events has Brooke Henderson won?
Henderson has won 14 LPGA Tour events, including 2 major championships.
What is Brooke Henderson’s next major championship?
Her next major is the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham and St. Annes from July 30 through August 2.
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