Leading Kiwi golfer Michael Hendry has withdrawn from the Open Championship after being diagnosed with leukemia.
Hendry is the reigning Vic Open champion and has frequented the PGA Tour of Australasia and Japan Golf Tour since turning professional in 2005.
In a message posted to his social media on Monday, Hendry revealed his “shocking” diagnosis while publicising that he would be taking an indefinite leave from the game to focus on his health.
READ MORE: Bold bid for second Tigers team to enter NRL
READ MORE: ‘Massive’ Tszyu coup as world champ ordered to fight
READ MORE: Three Dragons stars could walk after Griffin axing
“This is the fight of my life, a fight for my life, but one I am determined to win,” he wrote.
The 43-year-old said he received his blood cancer diagnosis after returning home from overseas in April.
“The last six weeks have seen me in hospital undergoing treatment to try and rid myself of the disease. I have a long battle ahead of me,” he wrote.
“I’m currently enjoying some time at home to rest and recover in preparation for more chemotherapy. I will beat this and I will be back better than ever.
“Some of you are already aware of my diagnosis and all I can say is thank you. I had no idea so many people cared so much. Your love and support have been truly overwhelming.
“Hopefully my next post will have some positive news with it. But until then any positive vibes you can spare will go a long, long way.”
Hendry’s ill health has forced him to withdraw from his third appearance at the Open Championships in July.
Off the back of a good run of form, he had qualified for the major after finishing second at the World City Championship on the Asian Tour in March.
“Earning these doesn’t come easy and I was so excited to earn qualification to this year’s Open Championship, but alas I will no longer be able to compete this year,” he said.
Hendry finished fourth on the 2022/2023 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit, claiming top-six finishes at both the New Zealand Open and New Zealand PGA.
He has 15 wins including one on the Japan Tour, four on the PGA Tour of Australasia and seven international wins.
His latest win at the 2017 New Zealand Open broke a 14-year hiatus for Kiwi players at the national open.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
US Masters 2023 in pictures: Jon Rahm’s incredible prediction 10 years before triumph
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
