Australia’s Scott Hend will be aiming to become the first man to win a record third Venetian Macao Open title beginning on Thursday, feeling refreshed and recharged after a week’s break.
The renowned big-hitting Queenslander starts as one of the odd-on favourites at the US$1.1 million Asian Tour tournament, thanks largely to stylish victories here in 2013 and last year.
He also finished runner-up to India’s Anirban Lahiri in 2014 and is a staggering 52-under-par at Macau Golf and Country Club in his last 12 rounds.
As well, Hend has won twice in Thailand this year, one of those being co-sanctioned with the European Tour, while the now Florida-based Aussie went close in May’s BMW PGA at Wentworth and lost out recently to Swede Alex Noren at the European Masters high in the Swiss Alps.
Macau Open favourite Scott Hend and already a double winner this season.
But standing in between Hend and a small slice of golfing history are reigning Asian Tour number one Lahiri and World No. 14 Branden Grace along with England’s Ian Poulter, who is returning from injury, along with a host of rising stars including Filipino Miguel Tabuena, India Chikkarangappa and last week’s winner Poom Saksansin of Thailand.
“To be a three time champion here, it will be fantastic,” said Hend, who currently leads the Asian Tour Order of Merit following two victories.
The widely-travelled Aussie, ranked 64th in the world, took a timely break from Tour last week to prepare for a hectic end-of-season push which he hopes will culminate with him sealing a first Asian Tour Order of Merit title.
“I needed a week off as my body was telling me to have week off and mentally as well,” said the 43-year-old.
“I’ve been very close to winning the Order of Merit previously, only to the pipped by guys obviously playing a bit better. I should have won more times this year. I’ve got eight more tournaments and obviously I like to think I can possibly win one of these ones.
“It’ll be great to be a three-time winner of the Venetian Macao Open but it’ll be a tough week … weather wise, golf course wise and there are some great players out here.”
The slightly-built Tabuena hopes to roll in the right numbers in Macao in hope of challenging for a second Asian Tour victory, which he knows will keep him in the Order of Merit race where he is currently fifth.
“I’ve never had a good finish here but I can feel something special this week. I know my game is in a good place so hopefully I can play well,” said the Filipino, who turned 22 today (WED).
“I feel more in control. I know where my misses are and I know how to correct them. That’s important as previously when I made a mistake, I would take a long time to recover but being on Tour for six years now, and with the experience I’ve gained, I’m a bit smarter on the golf course and you learn how to play golf instead of worrying about the mechanics.”
