Scott Hend shares lead in PGA Tour Champions major
US-based Queenslander, Scott Hend, does not currently possess playing privileges for the PGA Tour Champions, but in this week’s Senior PGA Championship at the Concession Golf Club on the west coast of Florida, the 52-year-old has opened the door for such to become a possibility.
Hend added a second round of 65 to his opening 69 and at 10 under par, he shares the lead in the US$ 3 million major championship along with American Brian Gay, that pair two clear of major champions Retief Goosen and Stewart Cink with Ben Crane also in that group at 8 under.
Hend, who has played Asian Tour and European Senior Tour events in recent months, finished 4th in this very event two years ago, and if he can find a way to earn the right to play the PGA Tour Champions, he will undoubtedly be a force, especially given the power he still possesses into his 50’s.
Hend also finished 4th at last year’s Senior Open Championship, further highlighting that he has the game to contend and win at this level.
Hend’s opening round of 69 included two double bogeys late in the day after an opening nine of 32, so there is plenty to like about his opening 36 holes.
“I like the golf course,” said Hend after his round. “Greens are putting nice. Obviously, I was fortunate enough to be the first group out this morning, so no wind, perfect greens for the first nine. It was an ideal position to shoot a good score.
“I was disappointed in yesterday’s two double bogeys on the back nine, so I wanted to play that nine a bit smarter and a bit better today, so I didn’t short-side myself as much as I did yesterday, and it seemed to work out quite well.
“I want to play here full-time on the Champions Tour. I’d like to better my performance from my first Senior PGA up in Michigan, and we’ll just do what we can to put some points in the bank and hopefully get some silverware.
“We’ll see what happens. There’s a lot of good players out there. Just have to keep going forward.”
Other Australians, Steve Allan and Greg Chalmers are also well placed at 6 under in a share of 6th place and just four from the lead.
