Golf:Peter Hanson became the eighth member and fifth new cap in Europe's Ryder Cup team today when he did what he had to do in the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles.
Hanson, winner of last week’s Czech Open, needed a top-43 finish to guarantee a debut at Celtic Manor and, when birdies at the 15th and 17th helped him to a closing 73, he was certain to be in.
“It feels great — tonight I’m going to celebrate and tomorrow as well,” said the 32-year-old. “I just tried to take it one shot at a time. I was very tired and was trying not to think about making the team, but I felt a little bit of pressure and those birdies felt great.”
At three over for the day and level par for the tournament after 14 holes, he was outside where he had to be if Simon Dyson won the title, but he rolled in a 20-footer on the 15th and two holes later struck an eight iron to two feet.
Meanwhile, Edoardo Molinari moved one ahead of his brother Francesco after eight holes. Francesco is another of Colin Montgomerie’s debutants, while Edoardo is in contention for a wild card — and would strengthen his claims no end by winning.