Kiwi Michael Hendry won a second consecutive NZPGA Championship crown after defeating Australian Scott Strange in a playoff on Sunday. The duo finished tied at 19-under-par after 72 holes at The Hills Golf Club in Queenstown, with Hendry curling in a birdie putt on the first extra hole to clinch the title. “I&aposve actually won every playoff I&aposve ever been in, which is obviously a good record – not that I thought about that prior to going out,” said Hendry “I felt pretty comfortable on the tee – I just said you&aposve done the hard work now just finish it off. “To get across the line and for it to be at home and with the retention of the trophy, it&aposs just magic.” Hendry becomes the first person to defend the title since legendary New Zealander Frank Nobilo did it in 1987. “You come into the week thinking this is my trophy, I&aposm not going to give it to anyone else. I had that attitude all week so to retain it is unbelievable,” Hendry said. “If people are going to put my name with the likes of Frank Nobilo and Sir Bob Charles, it&aposs fantastic. “One of my goals is to be regarded as one of New Zealand&aposs best when I hang up my boots and hopefully I&aposm on the way to doing it.” Hendry opened his round with three consecutive birdies to take the lead from Rohan Blizard, but Gareth Paddison and Strange picked up shots of their own to stay in touch with the New Zealander at the head of proceedings. Paddison dropped four shots in four holes late in his round to fall out of contention, paving the way for Hendry and Strange to fight it out in the playoff. Paddison did pick up a birdie on the 17th to ensure he shared third spot with Josh Geary at 15-under, while Blizard was another shot back in a tie for fifth with Hao-tong Li and Michael Tran.
Author: Omnisport