Aussie Hend Looks Beyond Asian Tour

Scott Hend is among a host of Australians who are using the Asian Tour as a stepping stone for greater things.

Hend is currently in third place in the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit as he tried to chase down leader Liang Wen-chong, of China, with half of the season still remaining.

Hend has $332,460 in winnings from 11 events, with the leader on 438,252. He has yet to win a tournament this season but has come close on several occasions.

Many Australian golfers use the Asian Tour as a conduit for the US PGA Tour instead of their own Australasian Tour because of the chance to play in many events that are co-sanctioned by the European Tour.

In recent years, Andew Buckle has gone on from Asia to establish himself as a regular pro in the United States.

Hend, who is taking part in US Qualifying School later this year, recently took part in a Q&A with the Asian Tour and said his main ambition this year was to win his maiden title on the tour.

He was full of praise for the quality and professionalism of players on the tour, telling the website:

“Asian golf in my eyes has always been strong! I always see young Asian golfers grinding away at their games trying to get better. Their work ethic is fantastic, the passion and wanting to achieve is second to none. I think it’s always just been a case of feeling comfortable and believing in themselves.”

While Hend hopes to trip up Liang, India’s Jeev Milkha Singh, a golfer who has already won on the European Tour, believes the Chinese player is on course for the Order of Merit title.

With the Asian Tour due to end its summer break in late August in Johor, Malaysia, Singh, the 2006 champion, has no doubt that Liang is the man to beat.

Jeev, who now plays most of his golf away from Asia, told the Asian Tour website:

“It’s been a fantastic season for Liang so far. I’ve played enough golf with Liang to know that he’s a really hard worker of the game. He deserves the success that he’s getting this season and I’m sure he’ll be playing well towards the end of the year.”

Liang’s biggest week this season so far was his victory at the European co-sanctioned Singapore Masters in March.
Also in the running is South Africa’s Anton Haig, who is in second place with $427,685.


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