True Thailand Classic: day three report
Scott Hend booms down the back nine in 32 shots to lead

Scott Hend boomed down the back nine in 32 shots to take the lead
Scott Hend played the back nine in 32 shots to take the lead at the True Thailand Classic presented by Black Mountain.
His round of 66 was marred by a three-putt on the final green, but it was still enough to give him a one-shot lead after three rounds of the True Thailand Classic.
We are likely to hear a lot about big-hitting Aussies over the new few weeks in the cricket world cup, but here was one on the golf course in Thailand.
The 41-year-old started the back nine with a birdie from six feet on the 10th. On the 609-yard 13th a 400-yard drive followed by a 5-iron was almost enough .but his ball sneaked passed the edge of the hole and left him with a 3ft putt for eagle.
The Australian thought he may have made have made a albatross: “I did wonder if it had gone in when I heard the cheers – I couldn’t see the hole from where I was. It hit a nice little 5-iron and got a good bounce on the fringe of the green.”
Hend then chipped in for another birdie at the 15th and almost drove the 361-yard 17th for a simple birdie.
“It was a good round and puts me in a good position,” said Hend. “I played very solidly and putted quite well. I only made one mistake so it was pretty good.
“I’m very lucky and privileged to be playing golf for a living and this is where you want to be, in the last group on a Sunday.”
He will be joined in the final group by Tongchai Jaidee and Miguel Angel Jiménez, who lie one shot back. It will be a venerable final three-ball, with 41-year-old Hend as the stripling of the group.
Already a winner on this year’s Champions Tour, Jiménez, 51, would break his own record as The European Tour’s oldest winner if he triumphs. Shrugging off flu to play, he added a 69 on day three to his previous 67 and 66.
The day-two leader would have had had a share of the lead after day three had he not missed a 5ft putt on 18.
“I’m playing well and hitting it well,” reflected Jiménez. “I missed a few putts but I’m creating lots of chances. It could have been five or six under today but that’s the game and you have to take it.”
The home favourite and True Thailand Classic ambassador Jaidee birdied the last to match Jiménez in going bogey-free for the day and being on 14 under for the tournament.
“I need to practice my putting - putting will be the key to win this tournament,” said Jaidee, who for the second day running found 17 greens in regulation.
"I will just stick with my game. I think I will have a chance to go low if I can putt better.”
Jaidee will be carrying the bulk of the local hope as Kiradech Aphibarnrat, one shot off the lead overnight, is now three shots back after his back nine yielded only one birdie, offset by a bogey on 12.
Contributing Writer Golf courses and travel are Roderick’s particular interests and he was contributing editor for the first few years of the Golf Monthly Travel Supplement. He writes travel articles and general features for the magazine, travel supplement and website. He also compiles the magazine's crossword. He is a member of Trevose Golf & Country Club and has played golf in around two dozen countries. Cricket is his other main sporting love. He is the author of five books, four of which are still in print: The Novel Life of PG Wodehouse; The Don: Beyond Boundaries; Wally Hammond: Gentleman & Player and England’s Greatest Post-War All Rounder.
-
-
Golf Officials React To PGA Tour, DP World Tour And LIV Merger
Officials from The R&A, USGA, LPGA and Augusta National have given their thoughts on the news
By Mike Hall • Published
-
'One Of The Saddest Days In The History Of Professional Golf' - Brandel Chamblee
The Golf Channel analyst revealed that he was 'hugely disappointed' by the recent LIV Golf/PGA Tour merger news
By Matt Cradock • Published
-
Who Is Justin Thomas’ Wife?
The American star married Jillian Wisniewski in November 2022
By Matt Cradock • Last updated
-
Rory McIlroy Gym Routine... Revealed!
In this Rory McIlroy Gym Routine article we discover how the Northern Irishman keeps himself so fit
By Neil Tappin • Published
-
What Is Tiger Woods' Net Worth?
Tiger Woods became the first billion dollar athlete in 2009
By Elliott Heath • Last updated
-
The Masters Live Stream: How To Watch The Major
Here are all the details on how you can watch the Major wherever you are in the world.
By Sam Tremlett • Published
-
12 Things You Didn't Know About Gary Woodland
We get to know US Open Champion Gary Woodland a little better
By Sam Tremlett • Published
-
Five Outsiders Who Could Win The Masters
We consider five players who might surprise the favourites and claim victory at Augusta
By Fergus Bisset • Last updated
-
Who Coaches Tiger Woods?
Who has worked with the American over his career and who currently acts as his swing coach? We take a look.
By Sam Tremlett • Last updated
-
Who Is Tiger Woods’ Girlfriend?
Find out more on who the American professional golfer is going out with here.
By Matt Cradock • Last updated