A year after losing out in play-off and Scott Hend has immediately put himself back into contention on day one of the European Masters in Switzerland.
The big-hitting Queenslander used his length off the tee to grab seven birdies, including three in succession early in his round and then birdie two of his closing three holes, in a sizzling six-under 64 on the Alpine Crans-sue-Sierre course.
The effort, and one shot less than his opening round in 2016, put Hend into a share of the lead with Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez and England’s Tyrrell Hatton.
Jimenez, at 53 years and eight months, is looking for a third time to extend his ‘Oldest Winner’ on the European Tour in first achieving the feat in late 2013 by winning the Hong Kong Open and then some six weeks later eclipsing that effort with his 21st Tour victory in capturing the Spanish Open.
Scott Hend on route to a six-under 64 on day one of the European Masters. (Photo -Gettys/European Tour)
Hend had won the 2014 Hong Kong Open as his maiden European Tour victory and then captured a second earlier last year with his success in the True Thailand Classic.
However, last September Hend came-up against a red-hot Alex Noren and with the Swede having won the Scottish Open and then after standing atop of The Alps he proceeded to capture the British Masters and end the year with a fourth Tour title in capturing the Nedbank Challenge.
And it is of little comfort to Hend, Noren ended day one with a level par 70.
“It was good to get some birdies on the back nine, which was my front nine today,” said Hend.
“I had to play the hard hole which was the par-three 16 and made a bogey there so it was nice to get some birdies before dropping that shot.
“And it was nice to get off to a good start after coming so close last year.
“The course is playing a bit different this year so it’s nice to come in with a good round before the wind picks up in the afternoon.
“Hopefully another good round tomorrow will put me in position for the weekend.”
And having gone so close a year ago, Hend also believes ‘local knowledge will play a big part if he to become the first Australian since Brett Rumford in 2007 to be fitted with the red winner’s jacket.
“This course is always about where you hit your bad shots on this golf course but that’s alright” he added.
“So, I think a lot of experience on this golf course does help.
“It’s a beautiful day today and I heard it will stay beautiful tomorrow too. We will see how it goes”.
It was a good first round also for Victorian Todd Sinnott contesting the event for a first occasion and birding four holes in succession from his 14th hole in a bogey-free five under 65 and among six, including Kiwi Grant Fox, sharing fourth place and only off shot off the lead.
