Belief earns Hansen reward
Anders Hansen has revealed that he knew he had the chance of winning the Joburg Open after looking at the scoreboard before the final round teed off yesterday.
The 38-year-old won his third European title in the process after carding a final 66 at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club for a tournament total 15-under 269, edging out one of three overnight leaders Andrew McLardy by a stroke.
David Drysdale, who was also in front after round three, ended his tournament with a 69 for an overall total of 271, with Danny Willett, Tyrone van Aswegen and Charl Schwartzel – the other day three leader – a further shot back.
The man from Denmark though, won the co-sanctioned European and Sunshine Tour event, coming from a shot behind to eventually edge out South African McLardy.
He admitted afterward that a lack of experienced players at the top left him quietly confident that he could come back and win the R2.25m (€174,350) prize.
“I knew the guys who were up there were not the typical winners who have won that many tournaments so maybe they won’t take off and I was right,” he said afterward. “After the first day, the leading score was eight.
“So it was after the second and third day that I played very well shooting seven-under only one behind going into today, so I knew I had a decent chance.”
