Hanson flying high

Hanson: made three birdies, an eagle and two bogeys in his final round

Peter Hanson's victory in the KLM Open will only fuel the optimism of European Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal, according to Wayne Riley.

"It's rare to sink a putt like that [to win]. I did it once when I holed from 33 feet on the last to win and I can tell you it's an amazing feeling."
Wayne Riley Quotes of the week

Swede Hanson drained a 35-foot putt for eagle on the last to post a final round of 67 and end the tournament on 14 under, two shots ahead of Pablo Larrazabal and Richie Ramsay. Read our report here.

Hanson considered pulling out of the tournament after his young son was taken to hospital with a virus, but his wife convinced him to play on and her faith was rewarded as the 34-year-old won his fifth European Tour title.

"Captain Olazabal will be sitting back and thinking 'this if fantastic, everyone's coming into form'; Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy - they are all playing well over there in the States," said Riley. "It's going to be a fantastic Ryder Cup.

"Someone had to do something special, like Hanson did on the last, to win the championship. Hanson did it and he's a worthy champion - a good man and a very good player."

He added: "It's rare to sink a putt like that [to win]. I did it once when I holed from 33 feet on the last to win and I can tell you it's an amazing feeling.

"There's a bit of luck but if you're aiming there and it goes in, then take it. It wasn't just in, it was in the centre. It was a fitting end to a wonderful golf tournament.

"Peter's caddie - Woody [Mark Wood] - caddied for me in quite a few tournaments. He's a good mate as well as a good caddie; it's important to have that relationship and they do. You can trust Woody. He's an intelligent man and Peter takes notice of what he says."

Upset

Larrazabal was well in contention until Hanson's eagle even though he was clearly frustrated by the length of time it took the Swede, in the group ahead, to play the 16th.

Hanson sought advice on a ruling after his ball ended up near a couple of metal plates in trees down the left-hand side of the fairway and, after lengthy deliberations, was awarded a free drop.

"I just wonder if in the locker room there will be a little bit of banter between Larrazabal and Hanson, given the pace of play that Hanson played 16 seemed to upset Larrazabal. It took 25 minutes to play a hole," mused Riley.

"It was a wonderful, wonderful recovery shot - very good indeed but it took so long and it did upset Larrazabal, because he told me."