Peter Hanson admitted he fed off the energy of the galleries as they cheered on playing partner Phil Mickelson in the opening round at Augusta.
Swede fed off Augusta patrons' affection for Mickelson
Sweden's Peter Hanson admitted he fed off the energy of the galleries as they cheered on playing partner Phil Mickelson in the opening round of The Masters on Thursday.
Hanson fired a four-under 68 to sit in joint second alongside South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen - just one behind early pacesetter Lee Westwood.
The Swede finished the day six shots better off than Mickelson who - thanks to a closing birdie - signed for a 74, but Hanson acknowledged the patrons' affection for the three-time champion had helped his own bid.
"I kind of walked pretty close to Phil through all of these tight, roped areas, in between greens and tees. Kind of just enjoying it," said Hanson.
"The crowd, they love Phil, and I can pretty much understand why, being such a fantastic player and having won here three times.
"So it was kind of nice to get a little bit of that. Even if it was not meant for me, I was kind of taking it on a bit and I enjoyed it."
Momentum
Hanson missed the cut in his first and only other Masters appearance to date last year and admits he will have to work to maintain his early momentum.
"I think my biggest challenge for the next three days is going to stay in the same mental presence I did today, keep playing aggressive," he continued.
"It's kind of a scary golf course in one way, because you don't have to put your foot too much wrong to end up making bogeys or doubles.
"I will just try to be aggressive and go out there and enjoy the moment on Friday, as well, playing with Phil again, and so I'm looking forward to that.
"I need to get a bit more comfortable around the greens here, chipping and maybe learn a little bit from Phil and Ollie (Jose Maria Olazabal) and the guys that are really good at that kind of game.
"But I feel I'll slowly get better and better, and hopefully I can feel comfortable out here on Friday".
