Anders Hansen has revealed that he knew he had the chance of winning the Joburg Open after looking at the scoreboard before the final round teed off on Sunday.
The 38-year-old won his third European title in the process after carding a final 66 at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club for a tournament total 15-under 269, edging out one of three overnight leaders Andrew McLardy by a stroke.
David Drysdale, who was also in front after round three, ended his tournament with a 69 for an overall total of 271, with Danny Willett, Tyrone van Aswegen and Charl Schwartzel - the other day three leader - a further shot back.
The man from Denmark though, won the co-sanctioned European and Sunshine Tour event, coming from a shot behind to eventually edge out South African McLardy.
He admitted afterward that a lack of experienced players at the top left him quietly confident that he could come back and win the R2.25 million (174,350 euros) prize.
"I knew the guys who were up there were not the typical winners who have won that many tournaments so maybe they won't take off and I was right," he said afterward. "After the first day, the leading score was eight.
"So it was after the second and third day that I played very well shooting seven-under only one behind going into today, so I knew I had a decent chance."
However, the win was by no means straightforward for Hansen, who was playing in the penultimate group ahead of McLardy.
He was level at 14-under with the home favourite going into the par-five 18th hole, but gave himself a great chance of winning by putting his second shot 25-feet from the hole.
The world number 90 missed the eagle chance, but made birdie from three feet with his rival blowing any chance of drawing level with a wayward tee shot on the 18th.
"(On the last) I was focused on just hitting a good drive and I did that. I hit a great second shot and the two putt was enough, so it's great.
"Today I played really nice on the front nine there and hit a lot of good shots, so it was really great.
"I think it means a lot to win obviously - because that's off course what we're here for. Especially after the first day where the first two holes I started double bogey-bogey and think 'what is this'? But I turned that round around."
Hansen's previous two victories came at the same PGA Championship in 2002 and 2007.
He added: "Yes, that (victory at a different tournament) is probably the most pleasing thing about winning here. After winning the PGA twice and then to win here, it's nice to win somewhere else."
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