Hend hopes to kill two birds with one stone

AUSTRALIA’S Scott Hend will be on a double mission when he tees off in the US$7mil (RM29.3mil) CIMB Classic at the TPC Kuala Lumpur today.

Firstly, it’s to make enough money to cement his place at the summit of the Asian Tour Order of Merit. Secondly, it will be to earn a return to the US PGA Tour – by winning on Sunday.

Hend, who finished joint 27th last year, plied his trade on the PGA Tour for two season in 2004 and 2005.

The 43-year-old tops the Asian Tour money list with US$770,842 (RM3.22mil). His compatriot Marcus Fraser is not far behind in second spot with US$679,053 (RM2.84mil).

With a cool US$1.26mil (RM5.27mil) winner’s purse on offer this week, Hend is hoping to make the most of the lucrative event to race away from chasing pack.

“It presents a big chance for me to try and move up the Order of Merit and hold my position ... it’s a very important week in that respect,” said world No. 66 Hend.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to win nine times in Asia ... and I finished second a fair few times.

“I’m from Australia and I’m very close to Asia and being able to win the Order of Merit is just a goal of mine to achieve.

“And there's also a chance, a possibility of getting a PGA Tour card if I win this event.”

Hend will play alongside South Africa’s Ernie Els and Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama in the opening two rounds of the CIMB Classic.