Hanson wins in Hilversum
BY European Tour | European PGA Tour | 2012 KLM Open | Wrap | 10 Sep 2012
Peter Hanson ended a difficult personal week on a dramatic high note after holing a 30ft eagle putt on the last hole to win the KLM Open in his last tournament before The Ryder Cup.
The Swede came close to withdrawing from the event at Hilversumsche GC after his one year old son Tim was hospitalised with a respiratory virus on Friday.
But with his son’s condition improving, his decision to continue paid off as he secured a fifth European Tour title with a stunning climax, closing with a 67 to finish on 14 under par, two shots clear of long-time leader Pablo Larrazábal and last week’s Omega European Masters champion Richie Ramsay.
“It’s always a nice feeling to win, but especially this week with how things have been with my son being ill,” said Hanson.
“But he is getting better and it’s great that I’m sitting here with this fantastic trophy.
“When he was put into hospital on Friday, I was panicking. He was not good for 12 to 14 hours there and as a parent that makes you feel very vulnerable.
“I just wanted to go back home and look after the family, but my wife convinced me to stay. They were in good hands; there was nothing I could do and she was telling me that, but when your kids get sick you don’t think straight.”
Quizzed on how he was able to maintain his concentration in trying circumstances, Hanson replied: “When we get a chance to lift these trophies, something just clicks in your head. I was just trying to stay focussed.
“This was needed. It’s been a bit of a slow summer for me, so this came at a perfect time to get confidence back and feel ready for The Ryder Cup.”
Larrazábal looked set to triumph when Hanson, trailing by one, drove into trouble at 16.
However, the Swede rescued a stunning par from the trees and was soon back in a tie for the lead as Larrazábal bogeyed the same hole.
Hanson then knocked in a monster putt for a three on the closing par five and was able to celebrate soon after as his nearest rival finished with a par.
“To see that ball drop was unbelievable,” said Hanson. “I haven’t won in two years but I have had a few chances. It’s always nice when you can finish it off. We are playing quality fields and quality courses so it means a lot, especially going into the Ryder Cup with a lot of confidence.”
Marcus Fraser finished as the leading Australian when he tied for 12th following on from his runner-up finish in Switzerland last week. Fraser improves one position to 19th in the Race to Dubai rankings.
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