The 38-year-old, who became the first New Zealander in 14 years to win the Open title in March this year, confirmed yesterday his place in the 99th Open at the Millbrook Resort and The Hills on March 1-4.
Hendry, who is playing in the Australian PGA Championship this week, said he was honoured to return to defend his crown, despite a potential second invitation to play in the World Golf Championship event in Mexico at the same time.
"You don’t just win it once and forget about it. You want to keep coming back and winning it. As far as I am concerned it is my trophy and I am not going to let it go."
He joins United States-based Tim Wilkinson and Steven Alker as early entries for the tournament that is co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and the Asian Tour, and in partnership with the Japan Golf Tour.
Hendry followed his playoff victory at Millbrook Resort with another outstanding year on the Japan Tour that included seven top-10 finishes including second in the Mizumo Open and tied for third in the Mitsui Sumitoma Masters. He is lying 16th on the Japan Order of Merit with earnings of NZ$670,000 this year.
"I would give my year in Japan a seven out of 10. I was consistent, which is something that we strive for. I’ve played 26 events and only missed three cuts. The one thing that marks it down is not winning again in Japan.
"Winning the New Zealand Open was a great thing and something that was very special for me. But I play golf to win and I’ve come very, very close in a lot of golf tournaments this year so it’s been a great year but one tinged with a bit of frustration also," Hendry said.
The North Harbour-based player says he would like nothing more than to become just the 12th person to win the Open in successive years, a feat not achieved since American Corey Pavin 32 years ago.
"You never go into a tournament expecting to win, you go in hoping to win.
"I suppose now with my track record around those courses I know I am going to have a pretty good chance if I have a good summer in terms of preparation and get myself ready for the event properly. If I do that then I can put myself in a position to defend."
Hendry said he had enjoyed supporting the event in Queenstown, and watched its development with admiration.
Key player announcements are due to be made in the coming weeks.
