Kiwi Michael Hendry had the most emotional round of the day as he returned to the Open after a serious illness.
Hendry, 44, was diagnosed with leukemia about a year ago.
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And when he played at Hoylake, he was undergoing treatment in hospital.
Yet R&A chiefs extended a special invitation to the New Zealand golfer.
And on Thursday, his wife Tara and young children Maddie and Harper were there to watch him shoot 74.
It was the most enjoyable three-over round of his life.
I’m a famous golfer and my grandfather invented a hugely popular chocolate barHendry admitted: “It was unbelievable.
“Words can’t describe how grateful I am, not just to the R&A, but to all the doctors and nurses who have helped me over the last 12 months.
“It was very special.
“This is something that really helped me in my recovery – it was very special to finally be here and play.”
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Hendry missed the cut in his previous two Open appearances in 2017 and 2018.
Now he is fine.
“At no point did I think I wouldn’t be able to play again,” he said.
“Even if I was sick, if I was healthy enough, I would try to play.”
Who are golf’s most famous wags?
The world’s top golfers enjoy incredible lifestyles – and their wags lead thrilling lives, too.
I am ready to represent the country in a third different sport despite losing my visionHere are some of the most high-profile beauties…
- A masters golfer rushed home after his recent victory to be with his wife, who was about to give birth to their first child.
- Playing with a three handicap, the sports journalist can give tough competition to her peers.
- This down-to-earth beauty married a superstar golfer in front of Stevie Wonder, Chris Martin and Niall Horan.
- A former gymnast, she has been her husband’s support for 14 years – he even has a tribute to her on his golf balls.
