Michael Hendry of New Zealand at the 103rd New Zealand Open, at Millbrook Resort Queenstown, 2024 Photo: PHOTOSPORT
New Zealand golfer Michael Hendry has been given entry to this year's British Open.
The Royal and Ancient has granted Hendry a medical exemption after he was unable to take part last year following his leukaemia diagnosis.
The 44-year-old was forced him off the greens for several months in 2023 as he underwent treatment.
Hendry is now cancer free and said before last week's New Zealand Open that he was turning his attention to achievement on the golf course.
He missed the cut at the New Zealand Open in Queenstown.
Hendry has played The Open Championship twice before in 2017 and 2018.
Meanwhile, the age limit for past champions of the British Open has been reduced once again from 60 to 55 from this year's edition.
The age limit was previously reduced from 65 to 60 in 2007. The 152nd edition of the Open, the oldest golf championship in the world, will be held at Royal Troon in July.
"From 2024, players winning The Open will be exempt until the age of 55. All golfers currently exempt as past champions will be able to play in The Open until the age of 60," the R&A said in a statement.
"A new exemption will offer players competing on the Asian Tour, the Japan Golf Tour, the PGA Tour of Australasia and the Sunshine Tour the opportunity to qualify through the International Federation Ranking list.
"The leading five golfers as of the closing date of entries will be awarded places in The Open."
-Reuters/RNZ
