Golf: Hendry in top 10 at WGC

Michael Hendry. Photo / NZ Herald

New Zealand No1 Michael Hendry is in with a real chance of securing a top 10 finish in his debut World Golf Championships event in Florida.

Hendry holds a share of 10th place at the halfway mark of the US$8.75 million ($10.65m) WGC Cadillac Championship after shooting a six-under par 66 in the second round yesterday.

Despite being the lowest ranked player in the 65-strong field, the world No194 sits only seven shots back from leader Tiger Woods heading into today's third round at the TPC Blue Monster course.

Hendry, who last weekend defended his NZ PGA Championship crown, opened the tournament with an even par 72, a round which placed him 41st but was hampered by three late dropped shots.

But he began yesterday in brilliant form, shooting birdies on his first two holes before making the turn at four-under. He made two more birdies at 16 and 17 to complete a bogey-free round and rocket up the scoreboard.

The Kiwi will begin moving day four shots ahead of world No1 Rory McIlroy and with some of world golf's best players in his sights, with Woods joined in the top 10 by Graeme McDowell, Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson.

Hendry last month overtook Danny Lee and Michael Campbell to grab the title of the top-ranked Kiwi golfer, before his win at The Hills near Queenstown saw him climb 31 spots to land inside the top 200 for the first time in his career.

He qualified for the Cadillac Championship, the second of four WGC tournaments, after last year finishing second on the PGA Tour of Australasia's order of merit.