Hendry to Headline Akarana Open

The Barfoot & Thompson Akarana Open has once again secured Michael Hendry to play on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour this week as he looks to go one better after a runner-up finish in 2017 against one of the strongest fields seen on the national circuit.

If last years event is anything to go by, its going to be a great week after Hendry missed out in an epic four-hole playoff against Gareth Paddison, who started an amazing run of form with back-to-back victories both here and at the Muriwai Open, followed by claiming the overall season points race for the Jennian Homes Trophy.

Hendry loves playing the national events when he can and is clearly looking forward to his return here in Auckland, before embarking on another trip to Japan on Monday.

"Its always nice to be back and I have always said how important the Jennian Homes Charles Tour is for me and hopefully I can play as well as last year and maybe even go one better," said Hendry.

"I enjoy playing here and hopefully I can find some similar form to last year before I head over to Japan once again."

This tournament is the start of an exciting finish to what has been a great summer and with vital Jennian Homes Trophy points on the line, it promises to be a great week as Gareth Paddison looks to repeat his stunning run of form this time last year.

"Its always special to be the defending champion and I feel very comfortable here at Akarana. I love the variety and having won here twice before, hopefully I can add a third."

Paddison will also aim to defend his Muriwai Open title next week before playing in two Japanese Challenge Tour events where he will look to secure higher status and the potential to earn his Japan Tour Card, which means he will sadly miss the Carrus Open.

There is no shortage in feature groupings this week with European Tour player Josh Geary playing alongside the inform Harry Bateman and Mako Thompson, while 2016 Akarana Open champion Kieran Muir will play alongside the dangerous Mark Brown and Charlie Smail, with his father David Smail one group ahead.

Young guns Ryan Chisnall and Mark Hutson will have the chance to play alongside Daniel Pearce in the morning field and will have Hendry, Matt McLean and James Anstiss hot on their tail.

The womens field will be hotly contested with many players returning from the recent New Zealand Stroke Play Championship at the Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, but they will have to get past the only professional in the field, Jenna Hunter.

With experience on her side after claiming the Anita Boon Pro-Am title and competing in New Zealands first LPGA Tour event late last year, she will be looking to capture her first win at this level and continue her progression as an up and coming professional.

A favourite to upset her is Brittney Dryland who won her maiden Jennian Homes Charles Tour event here in 2016, so the Auckland representative only has good memories of Akarana Golf Club.

One to watch this week is South Island Stroke Play champion, Miree Jung, who on her way to a three-shot victory made an astounding 18 birdies in her opening 36 holes. If Jung was to get things rolling like this again, she would be extremely hard to stop.

The first ball is to be struck at 7:15am and with free entry, its the perfect chance to watch one of the strongest fields seen on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour.

- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Golf NZ