In 2017, Hendry became the first New Zealander since Mahal Pearce in 2003 to win the New Zealand Open when he defeated fellow kiwi Ben Campbell and Australian Brad Kennedy in a playoff at Millbrook Resort.
Hendry turned professional in 2005 and has played on the PGA Tour of Australasia, the Japan Golf Tour and the OneAsia Tour.
On the OneAsia Tour, Hendry finished third on the Order of Merit in 2010 with some great performances, including winning the 2010 Indonesia Open.
In April 2015, Hendry won for the first time on the Japan Golf Tour at the Token Homemate Cup with a one-stroke victory.
Closer to home, Hendy has the record for the most wins on the Charles Tour, with eight wins between 2009 and 2022.
“The last time I won on the Aussie tour was the 2017 New Zealand Open, so it was great to get across the line again,” Hendry said. “Just nice to be feeling fit and proving to myself that I’ve still got it”.
Hendry has an outstanding playing record in the Queenstown region, having won the New Zealand PGA Championship and a New Zealand Open, both of these victories coming in play-offs.
Speaking about his connection with the New Zealand Open and Queenstown, Hendry is looking forward to his “favourite event of the year”.
“I’m delighted that the New Zealand Open is back. It’s my favourite event of the year in my favourite place in the world.”
Michael Hendry from New Zealand holds the winners trophy after winning the 2017 New Zealand Open. The Hills, Arrowtown. New Zealand. Sunday 12 March 2017. ©Copyright Photo: Chris Symes / www.photosport.nz
“I’m also really happy for the event organisers that the tournament is back as I know how much hard work they put into making the New Zealand Open the great event it is now.”
“Winning the Vic Open is a huge boost leading into the New Zealand Open. Not so much the result of winning, obviously that’s great too, but the way I played lets me know I’m in a really good space going into the Open.”
As a past champion of the New Zealand Open, Hendry is aware of the additional pressure to perform but believes his mindset is key to a positive performance.
“Having won the Open before does place a little more expectation on you, but to be perfectly honest my expectations of myself far outweigh those of anybody else. So outwardly, yes expectations are higher, but inwardly they are the same as any week I play.”
A new test for Hendry I the Open will be the new course at Millbrook. He has had a little look around but thinks the new holes on the Coronet course will be the difference-maker coming tournament time.
“I’m really looking forward to getting to know the new layout at Millbrook. I ducked around it quickly one evening when I was in Queenstown about a year ago, so I have seen it but not in tournament conditions.”
“From what I saw, how someone plays the new holes may well be the difference between winning and losing.”
Check out the final round highlights from the 2017 New Zealand Open.
