After his first two rounds at the New Zealand Open, everyone will remember Michael Hendry for just that.
The former Open champion was in fine form to finish as one of the top Kiwis after scoring 10 under par across the opening two rounds yesterday.
Kiwi Josh Geary equalled Hendry’s score to join his good mate as the best-placed Kiwis.
Hendry, who was given the all-clear following treatment for leukaemia in 2023, said the support around at Millbrook had been great.
"It’s been huge," Hendry said.
"There’s been a pretty decent crowd out there following and everyone’s right in behind us.
"Obviously, I’ve been through a bit of a battle. I kind of try and put that behind myself now.
"No excuse — it is what it is — it’s time to move on."
Teeing off from the Coronet course yesterday morning was always going to be a test, but Hendry finished with an eagle on the 14th hole, four birdies and the one misfired bogey.
"It’s always hard starting up on the hill in the cold.
"It’s hard to get into your round when you’re playing the hardest part of the golf course so early.
"I got off to a slow start and then kind of caught fire through the middle of the round and then ... [it] all fell into place.
"Probably more through good luck than good management, to be honest."
But Hendry conceded he will need to play better through the weekend if he is going to be in the hunt.
Hendry, 45, is the last Kiwi to win the Open, back in 2017, and the memories of watching his then young daughter running out when he won came flooding back.
"She’s not so little any more. She might saunter up [now] — try and look cool, you know.
"That was a really special moment because I spend so much time away from my family overseas."
He would love nothing more than to be a double champion.
"After winning a major, this would be my next tournament that I’d want to win.
"I think all the Kiwis come into this week feeling that way.
"That’s potentially why we haven’t had a winner in a while, because we want it more than these other guys.
"We’re fighting for every little bit to try and win it."
But he got off to a slow start.
"I think I was one over through until six of seven holes," Geary said.
"It wasn’t awful ... wasn’t really making any putts and then hit a good hot streak there for about seven or eight holes which got me back in.
"I knew I needed to stay in touch somewhat. What I was doing at even par, or one under, wasn’t going to cut it.
"Happy with how it turned out because it could’ve been a lot worse."
Geary and Hendry roomed together at the Victorian Open and if it was not to be him lifting the Brodie Breeze Trophy, then he would love to see his fellow Kiwi.
"Absolutely," Geary said.
"Obviously both want to win, and if it wasn’t one, the other would be ... probably better than most."
He received great support across Millbrook through the opening two days, including some hardcore family members.
"I’ve got a few rellies hanging out, aunties and uncles that are pretty diehard fans.
"They’re out seeing every shot.
"I’ve got a couple of them injured, but they’re in the cart out there watching, so it’s pretty cool."
