Hanson takes fast track to success

Huddersfield Daily Examiner (Huddersfield, England), Sept 19, 2006

Chris Hanson was really in the fast lane during his latest PGA Europro Tour outing at Whittlebury Park.

As one of the top four in the order of merit the Crosland Heath product was invited to nearby Silverstone to experience going round the GP track in high performance cars.

"There was a Porsche, Ferrari, Lotus and a Catrum and we had two laps with a professional driver blasting it round the grand prix track," said Hanson, pictured right.

"It was absolutely class. The Porsche for me was the best by far, so I best get saving if I want to buy one.

"Those drivers had those cars going sideways around the corners and there were plenty other cars on the track like Aston Martins, Formula 1 cars and Kit cars, so it was pretty exciting cruising past them."

It was something else to add to the list of experiences he has had since becoming part of the professional tour life.

"For starters, getting the pass to stage two of Q-School is tremendous," he said.

"Then a free SkyCaddie, equipment from companies such as Mizuno, Titleist and Motocaddy, and also footwear off Footjoy.

"I do feel fortunate. But I have worked for it and my results have got me these bonuses."

During the Whittlebury tournament, Hanson, whose partners in the pro-am included former world snooker champion Steve Davis, had his swing tested by the club professional using a launch machine and video camera, which recorded all swing facts.

"I hit a really great drive and the stats read: pitched 298 yards, swing speed 115mph. That makes you realise how hard Tiger Woods hits it, as he gets it up to 130mph."

The Europro Tour has a break until the MCP Classic at Ufford Park on October 4-6 in which Chris intends to work hard with coach John Eyre.

He will be practising hard in readiness for the European Tour qualifying school in Spain to be held between November 1 and 4 where the aim will be to progress to the final school the following week.