Michael Hendry plays in Open Championship a year after leukemia diagnosis

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Michael Hendry had just qualified for this third Open Championship last April after a second-place finish at the World City Championship in Hong Kong. But he started to feel fatigued – getting out of bed was a struggle, and he slept for nearly 12 hours a day. 

Hendry, 44, went to the doctors thinking he had the flu. After a few tests, he was diagnosed with leukemia.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Michael Hendry during a practice round prior to the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon. (Oisin Keniry/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)

The golf pro from New Zealand wrote to the R&A to withdraw from the tournament while he underwent treatment, but they told him they would hold him a spot as a medical exemption if he were healthy enough to play.

Just over a year later, Hendry took the first tee box at Royal Troon.

"It was incredible. Words can't really describe how grateful I am, not only to the R&A, but to all of the doctors and nurses who have helped me over the last 12 months," Hendry said. "It was extremely special. This is one thing that really got me through my recovery. To finally be here and teeing it up was extremely special."

After being admitted to the hospital, Hendry lost about 30 pounds due to the chemotherapy treatment he received over the course of six and half weeks. 

PHIL MICKLESON DONS JOGGERS AT THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER LOSING BET TO YOUTUBE GOLFER

Michael Hendry plays a shot on the sixth hole on day one of the 152nd Open Championship. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The opportunity to play in the Open was a shining light at the end of the tunnel.

"That gave him something to look forward to when he was