Hendry claims Taranaki Open, local wins season trophy

Will Johnston

New Zealand professional golfer Michael Hendry won the Taranaki Open on Sunday, while Taranaki amateur Sam Jones bagged the Jennian Homes Trophy.

The Aucklander fired a blemish-free six-under 66 to win by three shots over Josh Geary at the New Plymouth Golf Club.

The 43-year-old began the final round on Sunday a shot behind overnight leader Cameron Jones of North Harbour. Hendry made a statement on the opening hole by draining a 30-foot birdie putt to take sole possession of the lead early after Jones opened with a bogey.

Hendry made a second successive birdie to add another shot to his lead, which he wouldn’t relinquish.

Cameron Jones finished in fourth equal with Masterton-born Harry Bateman after he dropped three shots to finish with eight under.

Sunday’s win meant Hendry became the most winningest player on the tour with his eighth title.

“It’s been a really solid week, to be honest, with the exception of a couple of holes, but most of it was really good,” Henry said.

“It means a lot to win. As a New Zealand golfer, it’s great to etch your name in a little bit more of New Zealand golfing history. It’s really pleasing to come and win these events.”

Hendry carded 67, 70 and 69 in the other rounds, which included a blustery opening two days.  

Meanwhile, Sam Jones finished on top of the Charles Tour leaderboard with 1,585 points.

The winner is decided by the most points accumulated across the tour season.

It was neck-and-neck between Jones and Geary heading into the open, which started on Thursday. Geary needed to win the tournament or claim 190 points more than Jones this weekend to claim the trophy.

But with Jones’ third placing at the open and previous event success, which included a Carrus Tauranga Open title earlier this month and coming second at Clearwater last weekend behind Geary, he finished 80 points clear.

Jones finished the Taranaki Open one shot behind Geary carding 70, 71, 69 and 66 to finish in third place with 12 under.

Steven Hayes was the next best Taranaki player after Jones finishing in eighth with two under. Fellow locals Ethan Jones of Manaia and New Plymouth professional Dominic Barson both finished at six over.