Queenslander Scott Hend has
overcome strong winds at Castle Stuart to co-lead the Aberdeen Asset
Management Scottish Open with Chilean Felipe Aguilar.

On an extremely tough scoring
day, Hend managed to fire 3-under 69 with his scorecard featuring an eagle at
the par-5 2^nd, three birdies and two bogeys.

Hend was pleased with the way he
was able to adapt his game for the conditions and venue.  

"I’m very happy. Obviously
conditions were quite tough and I was a little bit scrappy with some putts not
quite getting to the hole but overall I’m very happy," said Hend.

"We’re just not so used to
playing off such tight lies and playing into a strong wind. So I was trying to
get back to adjusting for the spin rate off those lies into the wind. It’s just
something we haven’t been used to for a while."

Hend already has two wins this
season but this week is chasing his first outside of Asia. For it to come
playing links golf would be the icing on top of the cake for Hend.  

"It’s awesome fun, it doesn’t
matter how hard it is. When you play links golf, it’s just awesome," said Hend.

"I love it. It beats your head
in, kicks you around, and sometimes you get it back. It’s just great fun. It’s
exciting."

It’s been a successful few weeks
for Hend, who has confirmed his place in The Open and PGA Championship whilst being the top ranked Australian for Olympic
selection.

"It’s always wonderful news when
you find out you’re in a Major," said Hend of last week’s confirmation he had
earned a start at Troon next week.

"On the same day, I found out I
was in the US PGA and then same day, I found out that Jason had withdrawn from
the Olympics and I was pretty much a lock for the Olympics, as well."

"So I had a hat trick in the same
day."

"Putting on Australian colours
and representing the country is going to be a phenomenal experience. I can’t
wait for it to happen. It’s going to be awesome."