Queensland’s Scott Hend has surged into contention for a berth on the Australian golf Olympic team after a one-shot win in the Queen’s Cup in Thailand.

With all teams to be finalised on July 11, Hend’s ninth Asian Tour career victory, and second this year, saw him move ahead of Victorian Marcus Fraser to grab the second place in the team for Rio alongside World No.1 Jason Day.

Scott Hend poses with an Asian Tour trophy for the second time in 2016. PHOTO: Asian Tour/Khalid Redza. Scott Hend poses with an Asian Tour trophy for the second time in 2016.
PHOTO: Asian Tour/Khalid Redza.

The big-hitting 42-year-old started the final round two shots out of the lead but a closing four under 67 at the Santiburi Samui Country Club edged him one stroke clear of Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul, who had a bogey-free 66.

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Prom Meesawat, the 54-hole leader, carded a disappointing 72 to finish three strokes behind Hend in a tie for third with American Paul Peterson (69), Korea’s Jeunghun Wang (69) and Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert (66).

“I lost the tournament in Wentworth, lost the tournament in Mauritius and had chances in China. That’s four times this year and I didn’t win. Whether this was my golf course or not, I’ve been playing very good golf and trying to not get down on myself. It’s nice to win again,” said Hend, who was victorious at the True Thailand Classic earlier this year.

World ranking projections have Hend moving to World No.77, making him the fourth-highest ranked Australian. With Adam Scott and Marc Leishman making themselves unavailable for Games selection, Hend is now right in the frame for Rio.

Thailand's Prom Meesawat escapes from trouble during the final round. PHOTO: Asian Tour/Khalid Redza Thailand's Prom Meesawat escapes from trouble during the final round.
PHOTO: Asian Tour/Khalid Redza

“There are three more weeks for the Olympic qualifying. I’m 43 this year, who knows how much longer (I can play) although I’m getting better with age,” Hend said.

“It’ll be nice to go the Olympics and be one of the first Australians to play in it since golf’s re-inclusion. It’s all these different things that you chalk up in your career and when you’re finished, you just sit back and say this is what I did.”

Hend grabbed the lead with his third birdie in four holes at the 14th hole before parring the remaining holes to claim the Queen’s Cup.