Hong Kong Open title changes Hend’s future

Scott Hend is off to the European Tour after capturing the co-sanctioned Hong Kong Open in a sudden-death play-off

The Hong Kong Open was Hend's fifth victory in Asia since April 2012. PHOTO: Getty Images

Scott Hend crafted a gritty play-off victory to clinch the Hong Kong Open and earn a year-long exemption on the European Tour.

The 41-year-old Queenslander defeated Angelo Que with a par on the first extra hole after the Filipino duffed a greenside chip and made bogey. It was Hend’s first victory in a co-sanctioned event and his sixth on the Asian Tour, five of which have come since 2012.

Hend began the last round one stroke behind the overnight leader, Victorian Marcus Fraser, who was returning to action for the first time in eight months due to an injury to his left hand that required lengthy rehabilitation. Fraser began the final round with a double-bogey although remained in contention until a bogey at the 14th hole where playing partner Hend holed a long birdie putt to reach 13-under-par.

Hend appeared to have the edge on the chasing pack until Que moved into the frame with four birdies in the last seven holes, including a spectacular, all-or-nothing approach to the 18th green from the left rough that dropped a foot from the cup to match Hend at 13-under. The Queenslander then saved par at the 18th from a plugged lie in the front bunker to force the play-off.

With Hend facing a six-foot par putt on the 18th in sudden death, Que had an opportunity to apply pressure with a straightforward short pitch shot but failed to chip it beyond the fringe and missed the 12-foot par bid. Hend’s par putt for the title looked like it might sneak left but his ball caught the lip and curled in.

“Unfortunately Angelo made a bogey. I would have rather one of us made a birdie because he’s a great guy and it would be nice to earn the win on a positive note, but I’ll take the win and I’m ecstatic,” said Hend, who is the first Australian to win the Hong Kong Open since Greg Norman 31 years ago.

“I’m very happy to get this done, and my kids Aston and McLaren and my wife Leanne back in Florida – this one’s for my kids and this one’s to be treasured. They’ve been sending me messages the past few mornings. I’ve come close on the PGA Tour and the European Tour just not to get across the line and finally at the age of 41 I’ve won a European Tour event so it’s very special. It’s awesome, I love it – Europe here I come.”

Despite losing the lead on the final day, Fraser remained satisfied with his result after such a long time away from the competitive arena.

“No one is more surprised than I am, that’s for sure, after eight months of sitting on the couch,” Fraser said. “I’d forgotten how much fun it is to play a golf tournament, especially being in the mix.”

Hong Kong Golf Club proved to be a happy venue for the Australian contingent, with rookie professional Cameron Smith threatening mid-tournament before finishing equal ninth and Adam Groom finishing in the top-15.

LEADERBOARD

1. *Scott Hend (Qld) 67-66-67-66—267

2. Angelo Que (Phi) 65-69-67-66—267

3. Kevin Phelan (Ire) 69-67-67-66—269

4. Mark Foster (Eng) 67-68-66-69—270

T5. Marcus Fraser (Vic) 67-67-65-72—271

T5. Lucas Bjerregaard (Den) 69-68-67-67—271

T5. S.S.P. Chowrasia (Ind) 69-65-70-67—271

T5. Ernie Els (RSA) 66-65-71-69—271

*Won on first play-off hole

Also:

T9. Cameron Smith (Qld) 68-65-69-70—272