Golf: Kiwi wins PGA Tour qualifier

New Zealand golfer Michael Hendery will progress to the second stage of the USA PGA Tour. Photo / Paul Estcourt

New Zealand golfer Michael Hendry has won his first round PGA Tour qualifying tournament in Hawaii today.

The North Harbour player fired a final round four-under 68 at Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu. He finished on 14-under par 274 to be three shots clear of Australia's Luke Hickmott and Argentina's Alan Wagner.

The top 10 scores plus ties progress to the second stage qualifying in the United States next month, with Hendry joining compatriot Danny Lee as the only New Zealanders to progress from the first stage.

Approximately 450 players will compete in second stage qualifying at six venues, including first stage graduates and other players exempt to the second stage.

Leading players from each venue will join other players exempt into the final stage qualifying, which will consist of 156 players competing over six rounds.

Hendry has continued his strong form this year which has seen him win on the lucrative OneAsia Tour, the Charles Tour and also the Fiji Open.

- NZPA