Scott Hend contending again at Trophy Hassan event in Morocco
Scott Hend – file photo courtesy of Photosport NZ / NZ Open
Scott Hend has been in contention in the PGA Tour Champions events in which he has been able to gain a start in 2026, but the victory that would secure him full playing rights on the lucrative over-fifties tour has thus far eluded him.
Just two starts this season have yielded a 3rd place at the Senior PGA Championship and a runner-up finish at the Regions Traditions, both majors, have highlighted Hend’s capacity to do well on the PGA Tour Champions if and when he gains full status, and tomorrow he gets another chance to do just that.
After leading the US$2.5 million Trophy Hassan 111 event in Morocco following an opening day 66, Hend began the second round in the worst possible fashion when he triple bogeyed his opening hole but staged a remarkable recovery with seven birdies and an eagle to go with two bogeys for a round of 69 over the par 73 layout and with one round to play in the 54 hole event he sits just one off the pace and in a share of second place.
“I think it’s an exceptionally good round considering I started with a triple bogey on the first and saw every single tree on the left-hand side. To just hang in there and grind it out was really good.
“Made a really poor bogey on the eighth hole, the par 5,” said Hend. “Very scrappy golf today, but if I can play really scrappy and shoot 4 under, then look out tomorrow.”
Hend is behind only Tommy Gainey whose consecutive rounds of 67 have him one ahead of Hend and South African Darren Fichardt.
Greg Chalmers is four shots behind Hend and the next best Australasian in 6th place, while Steve Alker and Cameron Percy are also inside the top ten in a share of 8th place at 5 under and six behind Hend.
