Queenstown, New Zealand, February 22: American Berry Henson hopes to be in contention again at the 100th New Zealand Open which will tee off at The Hills and Millbrook Resort in Queenstown from February 28 to March 3 next week.

Henson, who enjoyed a tied-11th place finish in his debut appearance last year, is relishing his return to one of his favourite destinations as he prepares to launch another title bid at the centennial event.

He will be part of the Asian Tour challenge that also features Thailand’s Poom Saksansin and Jazz Janewattananond, who sits atop the current Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings, as well as India’s Shiv Kapur and Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines.

Defending champion Daniel Nisbet of Australia, Korea’s K.J. Choi and Y.E. Yang, the first Asian to win a Major championship, are also set to headline the NZ$1,250,000 (approx. US$850,000) event that is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.

“I enjoyed my first trip to New Zealand so much last year that I came a week earlier this year. It’s such an amazing place with stunning views, great people and amazing food. The sceneries are perfect and it’s one of my top-five places to go in the world.

“I am staying with my host family again from last year. The Adkins took great care of me last year and I have already settled in with them the week before the tournament and enjoying all that New Zealand has to offer,” said the 39-year-old Henson.

The long-running event, which is featuring on the Asian Tour schedule for the second straight season, incorporates a unique Pro-Am format which brings together a prestigious blend of professional and amateur golfers, including Black Cap cricket legend Stephen Fleming.

“The courses are fun to play, especially with the Pro-Am format. You got to make lots of birdies but the courses are in perfect shape to score. My game feels good. I am gunning to peak for the upcoming Maybank Championship. Next week will be a good preparation for me,” he added.

Henson made a strong comeback last year after recovering from a career-threatening wrist injury. He capped a total of five top-10 results to finish in 11th place on the final Habitat for Humanity Standings with a season’s haul of US$290,864.

He got his 2019 season off to a commendable start after notching a tied-12 place finish at the season-opening SMBC Singapore Open before following it up with a tied-25th place result at the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth last week.

Other prominent players set to headline the Kiwi showpiece are Kodai Ichihara of Japan, Thailand’s Panuphol Pittayarat and Major champion Michael Campbell of New Zealand, who will make his career comeback at the prestigious event following three years of retirement.

Founded in 1907, the tournament is one of New Zealand’s leading sporting events with a long and prestigious history. It will be played for the 100th time in 2019.