Australian Scott Hend has posted a final round 69 to lift golf’s Trophy Hassan II title by five shots in Morocco.
Saturday’s 15-under win at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam marked the first PGA Tour Champions victory for the 52-year-old grinder, who has spent much of his career on the Asian Tour.
Hend’s previous best on the Champions tour was a second-place finish three weeks ago at the Regions Tradition.
“It means the world to me,” Hend said.
“To win this tournament in the 50th edition is very prestigious and very special to me.”
Tommy Gainey entered the day with a one-shot edge over Hend and South Africa’s Darren Fichardt, but he fell well off the pace with a 2-over-par 75.
He became the first 36-hole leader in the Champions Tour era of this event not to win.
Gainey finished tied with New Zealand’s Steven Alker for second. Alker tied Jeff Maggert for the round of the day with a 68. Maggert vaulted 19 spots up the board to finish 16th.
South Africa’s Ernie Els and Germany’s Alex Cejka shared fourth at 8 under.
Hend’s victory moves him up to fifth in the Charles Schwab Cup Standings. Alker jumps two spots to fourth and Gainey climbs three spots to eighth.