New Zealand Open champion Michael Hendry has made his way to Royal Birkdale to make his Major debut at the 146^th Open Championship.

Qualifying via the Japan Golf Tour, Hendry comes into The Open in good form having finished tied 6^th at the Sega Sammy Cup.

Jetting from Japan to the U.K last week, Hendry has had time to adjust to the time different but also used it as a mini-holiday for his caddy, Jordan Dasler.

“We headed straight over from Japan, arriving on the Monday so we’ve had seven days before the tournament,” said Hendry.

“Jordan has never been to the UK before so he was pretty keen to spend a day in London doing some tourist things. So the first few days in the UK were just adjusting and relaxing.

“From Thursday it’s been head down bum up, working really hard. We worked together with Adam Bland, sort of as a team to get ourselves as ready as possible.”

In his preparations Hendry also plans on seeking out fellow Kiwi and caddy for Adam Scott; Steve Williams.

“You obviously want to put your best foot forward. I will be having a word with Steve Williams about how he feels the best way to play the course is,” added Hendry, who prior to this week had never seen Royal Birkdale before.

“Whether that is having a round with Adam or if that’s just me finding the time to sit down with Steve and going through hole by hole in the locker room, I will definitely be doing that.

While some players seek out the world’s best in practice rounds, Hendry prefers to keep his preparations understated.

On Tuesday he had a round with the only other New Zealander in the field; Ryan Fox and South African Dylan Frittelli and American Julian Suri.

“I am keeping it pretty low key and just taking it like any other week. I am pretty happy with my process and how I prepare for tournaments,” added Hendry.

“With Jordan having so much experience on the bag, he identifies things pretty quickly too. So we have got Sunday through Wednesday to practice on the golf course we should be able to pick up everything we need.

“Then with Steve’s experience around the golf course we will be able to get ever piece of information that’s necessary to put us in the best place to have a great week.”