A golfer has been given an exemption to play in The Open at Royal Troon after missing last year’s tournament following a cancer diagnosis. Michael Hendry, who plays primarily on the Japan Golf Tour, is on the road to recovery after enduring a turbulent time over the last 12 months.
The 44-year-old was diagnosed with leukaemia in May last year, forcing him to withdraw from The Open at Royal Liverpool. He qualified for the tournament by finishing second at the World City Championship on the Asian Tour but was unable to take part due to his illness.
After several rounds of chemotherapy, Hendry is fit enough to play golf again and has been given the opportunity to feature at Royal Troon after receiving an exemption from the R&A.
Explaining to Sky Sports, he said: “It is great to be back. I’m just stoked to be here after all the stuff I’ve been through over the past 12 months.