Fisher and Hansen hit the front in Dunhill
Thursday, 02 Oct 2008 21:24
Hansen couldn't believe his final position
Ross Fisher and Denmark's Soren Hansen took advantage of favourable weather conditions to hit eight-under-par 64s to take a one-shot lead after the first-round of the Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland.
Hansen – playing for the first time since last month's Ryder Cup defeat in Valhalla - picked up four of his shots in his last three holes hitting two birdie's and an eagle to enter the clubhouse tied with Fisher.
The Englishman was just as impressive, hitting six birdies and an eagle in a bogey-free round.
Ireland's Padraig Harrington, who is chasing a second Order of Merit title, finished brilliantly with five birdies over the last six holes to lie three shots off the lead with a five under-par round of 67.
Hansen was understandably delighted with his spectacular finish.
"It was an incredible feeling, I looked up at the leaderboard when I'd finished and thought, what happened there?" he said.
"The day was really enjoyable because you are trying to get back to normal (after the Ryder Cup) and find some energy."
Harrington leads Europe's money-list by £180,000 from England's Lee Westwood with £432,000 on offer to the winner here.
"When you are leading it you want to win it," said Harrington.
"The first question you will be asked when you retire is how many majors you have won, but Order of Merits come a close second."
The pro-am event takes place at Kingsbarns, St Andrews and Carnoustie.