Licking my chops: defending champion Scott Hend confirms tilt at US$1.1 million Macao Open
The Australian is looking to become the first three-time winner in the tournament’s 17-year history at Macau Golf and Country Club in October, with the event now the richest organised solely by the Asian Tour
In-form Australian Scott Hend confirmed on Tuesday he has set his sights on defending his Venetian Macao Open title come October - at the same time event organisers announced a rise in prize money that now makes the tournament the richest organised solely by the Asian Tour.
Hend said he was delighted to hear that total prize pool of US$1.1 million was now up for grabs for the winner of the October 13 to 16 event at the Macau Golf and Country Club – up US$100,000 and the fourth year-on-year prize money rise for the event.
A second victory on the trot would make the 42-year-old the first three-time winner in the tournament’s 17-year history.
Scott Hend holds off Indian duo to clinch Macao Open triumph
“I love playing in Macau anyway but the extra prize money has me licking my chops a bit,” said Hend. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m not counting the money already but I feel I have a pretty good chance.
“The conditions can get a little bit difficult and you have to be a bit of a grinder, have a will to get out there and have a crack at it in those conditions. I like how the golf course is a lit bit bouncy, a little but dry – I find it an interesting and exciting golf course to play. It never seems to be the same one day after another.”
Victory again in Macau would cap what is looking to already be history-making year for Hend, who rode some accurate iron play to a four-under-par final round 67 and a one stroke victory on Sunday at the Queen’s Cup in Koh Samui, Thailand.
That was Hend’s ninth tournament win on the Asian Tour, and followed his one stroke win at the True Thailand Classic in March. He also has three other top-10 finishes this season.
