SCOTT HEND continued the joy for Australian golf in 2014 by winning his maiden European Tour title on the weekend.
The 41 year old Aussie golfer finally triumphed after a thrilling back nine at the Hong Kong Open, overcoming a valiant effort by Filipino player Angelo Que in a play-off for the biggest title of his career.
“I’ve come close on the PGA Tour and The European Tour just not to get across the line and finally at the age of 41 I’ve won a European Tour event so it’s very special. It’s awesome, I love it – Europe here I come.”
Hend’s win in the jointly sanctioned European Tour/Asian Tour event means he will now have the option of playing on the European Tour – and from the sound of his quote that is exactly what he intends.
Hend, who now has six Asian Tour wins to his name, collected a winner’s cheque of 171,843 euros ($A250,558) and will head to nearby Macau this week where he is defending champion.
“I live to play golf and this is what it’s all about. This is what makes it worthwhile,” he said.
Fellow Aussies Marcus Fraser, who returned after a long injury layoff, finished tied fifth while 21 year old Cameron Smith also made the top 10, tied ninth.
Aussies have had a stellar 2014 including six wins on the US PGA Tour and Karrie Webb has won twice on the LPGA Tour.
Hong Kong Open Leaderboard