New Zealand golfer Michael Hendry has won the New Zealand Open in a playoff at Millbrook Resort in Arrowtown.
Michael Hendry with the Brodie Breeze trophy. Photo: Photosport
Three golfers completed their final rounds at 19-under for the tournament, including the former champion from Australia, Brad Kennedy, and the overnight leader from Masterton, Ben Campbell.
On the first playoff hole, the par three 18th, both Campbell and Kennedy hit their tee shots into the water hazard.
Hendry kept his ball dry and two putted for a par to become the first New Zealander to win the national open since Mahal Pearce in 2003.
"It means the world," said Hendry, a two time New Zealand PGA champion.
"For me, other than winning a Major this is the biggest tournament I could win ... I've never been that emotional coming off the golf course before."
Along with the Brodie Breeze trophy, Hendry was presented with the winners cheque for $180,000.
Michael Hendry celebrates. Photo: Photosport
While the previous three rounds were played in idyllic conditions at The Hills and Millbrook Sunday was cool and windy with morning rain that made for a challenging day.
Hendry produced a remarkable effort, hitting 17 greens in regulation on the way to an outstanding two-under par round of 69.
He edged into the lead on the 10th hole and was never headed.
Hendry said his back-to-back eagles at the end of his round on Saturday were the key to his victory.
"That was the winning of the tournament this week. They gave me the opportunity to execute the gameplan that I wanted today," he said.
"Right then and there was when I won the golf tournament."