Hend holds nerve to win in Thailand

Queensland’s Scott Hend became the second Aussie winner abroad this weekend, when he birdied two of his last five holes to claim the True Thailand Classic by one shot.

He is the fifth Australian player to win on the European Tour in a single season, which is a first in the history of that Tour.

Scott Hend celebrates with his second European Tour trophy.
PHOTO: Ian Walton/Getty Images.

Just hours after Matt Griffin claimed the NZ Open Championship, Hend was in a fight of his own to go one better than his runner-up victory in this even 12 months ago.

Standing in his way though was hometown favourite Piya Swangarunporn, who set the tournament alight on the final day with a course record nine under 63 to set the clubhouse lead at 17 under.

Hend had started the final round at Black Mountain Golf Club, six shots clear of Swanagarunporn but found himself a shot in arrears of the Thai player who finished his round more than hour before the final group.

LEADERBOARD  | VIDEO: FINAL ROUND HIGHLIGHTS

A birdie on the 14th put Hend back into a share of top spot and when he took advantage of the driveable par-4 17th for the fourth time this week. He bludgeoned his drive onto the green and two-putted for birdie to grab the outright lead again. Hend parred the final hole for a four under 68 and a second European Tour title by a single stroke.

“I just had to stay patient and let the golf course come to me,” Hend said. “One of the boys tried to give me a fright but I managed to hang in there.

“I’m really proud of myself. Second win on the European Tour, eighth win on the Asian Tour…not sure what the world rankings will be like but … bloody awesome.

Hend blasts his drive onto the 17th green to set up the winning birdie.
PHOTO: Ian Walton/Getty Images.

“I learned my lesson from last year when I pushed too hard on 17 and made a bogey. So this year, there wasn’t going to be any pushing. I was going to try and do the best I can and it worked out well for me obviously. To win any trophy, I’m immensely proud and at the end of my career my kids can look at how many tournaments I have won and be proud of their dad.”

The win for Hend means 2016 is the first season in the history of The European Tour to have five different Australian winners and makes it two winners from Down Under in a row following Adam Scott's triumph at the World Golf Championships - Cadillac Championship.

The 42-year-old is likely to move into the top 80 in the Official World Golf Ranking after his win.