The 52-year-old Florida-based Queenslander has made no secret of his burning desire to play a full schedule on the PGA TOUR Champions, something he has now achieved through the end of the 2027 season courtesy of his victory at Trophy Hassan II.
The first Australian winner in the event’s 50th year, Hend took full advantage of a three-stroke swing just prior to the turn of the final round to set a course for victory.
His birdie at the par-3 ninth as American Tommy Gainey made double-bogey swung the tournament his way, adding three birdies in his final seven holes to cruise to the finish line.
Hend’s 19th career win now gives him triumphs on the DP World Tour, Asian Tour, Canadian Tour, Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, European Legends Tour and PGA TOUR Champions.
With wife Leanne on site to see him win in person for the first time in more than two decades, Hend is excited to have a full schedule in the US for the first time since he led the PGA TOUR in driving distance in 2005.
“It means the world to me,” Hend said of his PGA TOUR Champions status.
“It means I can be back in the States full time, back in my house, back kicking my kids on the backside when they’re doing things wrong, supporting the wife.
“Just generally feel like I’m competing against the best senior players in the world, it’s an awesome feeling.
“So awesome to have the opportunity to play every single tournament on the Champions Tour, mix it up with these guys and be back in America and just going at it. It’s awesome.”
While he now has a set schedule closer to home, Hend admitted that it is unlikely to stop his globe-trotting ways.
“I’m an ironman, I love it. I love golf, I love playing golf. Golf is me, I’m golf,” Hend added.
Golf is everything for Scott Hend ? pic.twitter.com/RmLe8Sh09q
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) May 23, 2026
ORIGINAL STORY: TONY WEBECK | GOLF AUSTRALIA/PGA AUSTRALIA