Tour pro out of The Open after being diagnosed with leukaemia

New Zealand pro Michael Hendry has taken to Instagram to reveal his shock news, which will now rule him out of The Open at Royal Liverpool.

Andy Roberts

15 May 2023

Tour pro out of The Open after being diagnosed with leukaemia

Tour pro Michael Hendry has taken to social media to reveal he will no longer be able to compete in this year's Open Championship after receiving shock news he has been diagnosed with leukaemia.

Hendry, 43, confirmed in an Instagram post how he has been in hospital receiving treatment the past six weeks.

The New Zealander, who is ranked 449th in the world, admits he has "a long battle ahead" as he fights for his life but that it's one he is "determined to win".

Hendry had earned his playing privileges into this year's Open after picking up one of four qualifying spots through the World City Championship presented by Hong Kong Golf Club back in March.

It would have marked his third appearance at The Open having previously missed the cut in both 2017 and 2018.

Hendry, who once reached 110th in the world, has won 15 times as a professional, including wins on the PGA Tour of Australasia, Japan Golf Tour, OneAsia Tour and Charles Tour.

Hendry posted his 151st Open Championship player's badge on Instagram with the following statement:

"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.

"On returning home from overseas in early April I was shocked to be dianosed with Leukaemia (blood cancer). The last 6 weeks have seen me in hospital undergoing treatment to try and rid myself of the disease. I have a long battle ahead of me. This is the fight of my life, a fight for my life, but one I am determined to win.

"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. 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!

"Thanks again for all your love and support. 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. Cheers Mike."

From all of us here at GolfMagic, we wish Mike and his family our very best wishes. Keep fighting, Mike.