Denmark's Anders Hansen takes first Tour victory
IN: News | European PGA | Volvo PGA Championship (2002) | Wrap | by Bruce Young | 27 May 2002
Like the Memorial this weekend in the US the Volvo PGA is one of the more prestigious events in Europe outside of the majors and what an event for the 32-year-old Dane Anders Hansen to make his first win on the European Tour.
There had been signs of something along these lines of late with good finishes in Germany and France but to win an event like this and by such a margin was hardly on the cards. He started the last round with a five shot lead and ended it that way winning from Colin Montgomerie and Eduardo Romero. Hansen not only picks up one of the bigger cheques on the European Tour but also five year's exemption and a spot in the British Open. He has made slow but steady progress since joining the tour in 1999 from the Challenge Tour. He actually gained his card through the Tour School and has improved each year having six top tens last year.
Tied in fourth were Michael Campbell, with yet another god finish at Wentworth, Nick Faldo, who needed a top two to get a start at the US Open and Spaniard Carlos Rodiles.
Jarrod Moseley was the leading Australian in 13th spot and $A145,000, Peter O'Malley 9th, Stephen Leaney 11th, New Zealander Greg Turner 15th, Brett Rumford 40th, Lucas Parsons 40th and Richard Green 61st.
With now only two weeks before the US Open the European Tour heads for Woburn for this week's British Masters and next week the English Open at the Forest of Arden. Many tour players will no doubt be timing their run into Bethpage so these events may miss some of the European stars.
