Michael Hendry is a New Zealand professional who has split his career between the PGA Tour of Australasia and the Japan Golf Tour (JGTO) since turning professional in 2005. He is best known domestically for his victory at the 2017 New Zealand Open, where he defeated Ben Campbell and Brad Kennedy in a playoff to become the first Kiwi to win the national open in 14 years.
Hendry’s career is also defined by his resilience. After claiming his maiden JGTO title at the 2015 Token Homemate Cup, he faced a life-threatening battle with leukemia in 2023. Remarkably, he returned to professional golf less than a year later and won the 2024 For The Players By The Players tournament in Japan, an emotional victory that secured his playing rights. This comeback also earned him a medical exemption into the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon. In the 2025 season, he remained competitive in Japan, recording a 3rd place finish at the Maezawa Cup and a top-25 finish at the Taiheiyo Masters.
Check out the final round highlights from the 2017 New Zealand Open
