Strong Hansen in the wind

Stian Hansen from Norway (c) Agathe Séron

Norway’s Stian Hansen, 26 year old, fired miraculous 66 in the wind in second round of Alps Tour Colli Berici 2014. Italy’s Alessio Bruschi and Spains’ Borja Etchart are one shot back

Stian Hansen is build to face strong winds, close to 1m90, 100 kg, the kind of athlete who can face gusts. The 26 year old player from Lillestrom plays his first season on Alps Tour circuit. His compatriot and friend, Jason Kelly convinced him to choose this satellite tour.

Hansen admitted he is a calm player, this behaviour was a important advantage today.

“I am not the kind of player to shout or to be upset on a golf course. I would rather talk to myself inside of my head to stay calm, I am definitively a calm player.

The wind was a big factor today. You need to try to get into wedge distances to get close but it is hard when the wind is strong like this. But I had a lot of chance when I had the wedge in my hand and I make a lot of birdies. And I holed a long putt on hole 11 so that was good to start with this.

I had a couple of wins in Norway but nothing big and not in a 3 round tournament. Tomorrow, I just need to be sharp of the tee, be focused. People are going to make bogeys, event double bogeys. You just need to forget your shots and keep on going forward. I hope I can roll enough putts to get a win”

Overnight leader, Irishman Brendan McCarroll struggled today and could only signed for one over to eventually finish 3 shots back of his room-mate Hansen.

Italian hope of a win lean on Alessio Bruschi’s shoulders. Bruschi last title on Alps Tour was in 2004. He won the Gösser Open. But last year, he also won the Italian PGA Championship and his experience could be an valuable asset tomorrow.

“Today was very different. It was very windy and the pins positions were more complicated. I tried to stay on the fairways and I managed to avoid mistakes. Tomorrow, I won’t pay attention to other players. I will stay focus on my game and I plan to repeat the strategy I had the first two days. You have to stay conservative on this course, there no way you can attack the greens.”

Finally, Spain’s Etchart could prevent his two opponents from lifting the trophy. Etchart managed not to have any 3 putts in two rounds and his confidence in his swing is great enough not to be afraid to go and fight for a second win on Alps Tour.

From Vicenza
Agathe Séron