Revitalised Scottish star John Henderson insists he’s rediscovered his love for the game as he plots a return to the professional ranks in 2024.
Henderson surrendered his PDC Tour Card following last year’s World Darts Championship, and was unable to secure an immediate return at UK Qualifying School in January.
The 49-year-old competed at the sport’s elite level for over a decade, guiding Scotland to World Cup of Darts success alongside Peter Wright in September 2021.
Henderson also made two Premier League appearances as a contender in Aberdeen – the first of which saw him share the spoils with Michael van Gerwen on a memorable night at the AECC in 2019.
However, after only qualifying for a solitary TV ranking event last year, the amiable Scot slipped outside the world’s top 64 and subsequently relinquished his professional status.
“When I lost my Tour Card I wasn’t sure where my darts [career] was going, but I’m playing every weekend,” Henderson told the Darts Show podcast.
“I’ve been playing on the Challenge Tour and then obviously we’re getting the opportunity to play on the European Tour. I’ve qualified for two of the first five [events] so I will take that.
“It has been hectic, but I’m enjoying it again. I’m going in the right direction. I am playing well, I’m happy with my game and long may it continue."
Henderson has made a terrific start to life on the Winmau Challenge Tour, and he tops the Order of Merit after nine events, ahead of former Lakeside Championship winner Christian Kist.
The top two players from the final 2023 Challenge Tour Order of Merit will secure a PDC Tour Card for 2024/25 and a place in the 2023/24 World Championship, and Henderson is well placed with over a third of the season played.
The former World Grand Prix semi-finalist celebrated victory at Event Seven in Hildesheim last month, which remarkably marked his maiden individual title in the PDC.
“I will tell you something – The Challenge Tour is an endurance test,” admitted Henderson, who defeated Dutch star Ron Meulenkamp to triumph at Halle 39.
“I had never won a PDC title apart from the World Cup, so to get that monkey off my back was great. Hopefully it will be the first of many [titles].
“The standard on the Challenge Tour is fantastic. You have to be on your toes from round one. Even at Qualifying School – the standard was very high. It was so hard.
“There are so many good players out there, and if you’re not averaging mid-90s now, forget it!
“The grass-roots of the game is looking good. Hopefully I can continue what I’m doing and get myself back to where I believe I should be, which is on the tour.”
Henderson featured in the year’s opening PDC European Tour event in Kiel after coming through the Associate Member Qualifier, succumbing to an impressive Jim Williams in round one.
The former World Cup winner will also feature in the Interwetten Austrian Darts Open (ET5) later this month, as he bids to reaffirm his credentials on the big stage.
Henderson celebrates his 50th birthday next month, although he is taking inspiration from the sport’s senior stars that are breaking new ground in the twilight of their careers.
The unheralded Andrew Gilding enjoyed a fairy-tale UK Open success last month, defeating Dutch superstar Van Gerwen in a thrilling final to lift his maiden televised crown at the age of 52.
Henderson’s compatriot Peter Wright won the first of his two World Championship titles just weeks before his 50th birthday, while Simon Whitlock rolled back the years to steer Australia to World Cup glory in 2022.
“I feel as though I’ve got ten, twelve years left in me, because I’m back enjoying it again,” continued the Aberdeenshire ace.
“I’ve got a spring in my step again, and hopefully losing my Tour Card gives me the kick up the backside that I needed. I’m putting in the effort at home.
“I am using every competition as practice and hopefully I can earn my Tour Card back through the Challenge Tour. That’s the plan anyway!"