From Arabian Ranches to Hoylake: Chris Hanson's Open debut

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  • 'A moment I'll never forget': Hanson had great support from his #TeamHanson entourage.

    “I don’t think any golfer has not dreamt of walking down the 18th at The Open Championship, or having their name announced by Ivor Robson on the first tee!”

    That dream became a reality for Chris Hanson last week when he competed alongside the likes of Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods at Hoylake.

    The Huddersfield-based golfer turned professional in 2006 and has been competing on the Challenge Tour since 2011. He qualified for the world’s oldest golf tournament via the Hillside qualifiers when he tensely came through a four-man playoff for three places to qualify for his first Major- an experience he will cherish forever.

    Taking part in an Open Championship is a million miles away from a few years ago when Hanson competed in – and subsequently won – a ProAm event at Arabian Ranches in Dubai.

    Controlling nerves and handling pressure is a key element of golf at the highest level, but Hanson insists he was surprisingly calm as he prepared to take the most important drive of his career.

    “The first tee was an amazing feeling,” the 28-year-old tells Sport360°. “I expected to be so nervous that even balancing the ball on the tee would be a challenge, but I proved myself wrong.

    “As soon as I struck that first shot to a huge cheer from friends and family, it soon became overwhelming. It's a moment in my career I will never forget!

    “I was pretty sure that when I went down to pick up my peg I was not getting back up, my eyes filled up and it sunk in what support I have,” Hanson adds. “I put my arm around Steve (my caddie) and said, ‘are you okay?’ he replied, ‘I don’t know how you hit it… I can’t feel my legs’!”

    Hanson’s first round of The Open didn’t go to plan, scoring a nine-over 81, which left him a near-impossible task to make the cut. This didn’t prevent the Englishman from making the most of his next 18 holes on the prestigious Hoylake course.

    “After the disappointing first round, I just knew I could enjoy it,” Hanson explains. “But nothing else changed, my preparation was the same and I gave it 100% again.”

    The second round saw a marked improvement, shooting a two-over 74, and although it was not enough to make the mid-way cut, Hanson can look back at his debut Major championship with pride.

    “I will never hide my disappointment to shoot such a poor first round, but I know deep down I actually played okay,” reflects the world No 678. “I had three shocking holes and two of them due to bunker trouble, but I know my game is good enough to compete with the top guys and can't wait to get back out there and play again.”

    While not one of the star names on show at Royal Liverpool, Hanson enjoyed plenty of support as friends and family turned out to cheer him on. Bright yellow shirts were adorned with #TeamHanson printed on the front, and Hanson insists he had no idea about the campaign.

    “My wife and her best friend had organised this the night before, I knew nothing,” he says. “I walked onto the first tee to a group in the stand wearing the bright yellow t-shirts! It was fantastic, a great touch and it made some great media stories.”

    The excitement of the Open may be over but Hanson’s aim is to now try and achieve his full European Tour status by maintaining his terrific form on the Challenge Tour, in which he’s currently ranked No47.

    The 6ft right-hander is keen to return to the UAE and has one tournament in particular he is aiming to qualify for.

    “I always spend a few days in Dubai en route to Kenya each year to practice in the Emirates. I also played a few Mena Tour events last year,” Hanson states. 

    “Hopefully the next time I’m back will be for the Dubai Desert Classic!”

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