Scott Hend's Impressive Start on the PGA Tour Champions
Australian golfer Scott Hend has made a significant impact on the PGA Tour Champions, showcasing his talent with a remarkable first-round performance at the Trophy Hassan II held in Rabat, Morocco. On Thursday, Hend carded an impressive 7-under-par 66, earning him the lead in the tournament. His strong showing included a stellar front nine, where he achieved four consecutive birdies, beginning with an opening birdie on the first hole. Hend continued his momentum on the back nine, finishing the round with a total of seven birdies, which places him just one shot ahead of fellow competitor Tommy Gainey as they head into the second round.
A Veteran in Pursuit of Glory
At 52 years old, Hend is carving out a noteworthy career on the senior circuit, having secured victories across various tours including the European and Asian tours, as well as in Canada and his home country of Australia. Since joining the European Senior Tour, he has already claimed three tournament titles, highlighting his competitiveness among his peers. This season, he has made his mark in the senior majors, tying for third at the Senior PGA Championship and finishing second at the Regions Tradition. Despite not yet having full exemption on the tour, Hend is determined to keep his game sharp by participating in various events. "I went to play an Asian Tour event in Taiwan because obviously I’m not fully exempt out here just yet, have to wait till next year to get the opportunity to play every week," he explained, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining his performance against tough competition.
Describing the Moroccan course, Hend noted its similarities to his home regions in New South Wales and Queensland, stating, "It reminds me a lot of playing in New South Wales and in Queensland where I’ve got a house. It’s very similar trees, very similar grass. Everything really suits my eye, so I really enjoy it.” His connection to the course appears to enhance his performance, making it a favorable setting for his game.
Meanwhile, Gainey, who is also in contention, enjoyed a strong start with seven birdies, but faced a setback on the final hole with a bogey, resulting in a score of 6 on the par-5 18th. He acknowledged some uncertainty with his new equipment, particularly his irons, which he is still getting accustomed to. Despite the challenges, Gainey remains optimistic about his chances to secure his second PGA Tour Champions title.
As the tournament progresses, other competitors like Cameron Percy, who is in third place with a score of 5-under 68, and Matt Gogel, who holds fourth with a 4-under 69, will also be looking to make their moves. Defending champion Miguel Angel Jimenez had a rough start, finishing with a 4-over 77. The coming rounds promise to be exciting as Hend seeks to solidify his lead and capture yet another championship victory in his illustrious career.
As reported by joxfm.com.
