Peter Hanson returns to action following his Masters Tournament heroics when he tees up in this week’s Volvo China Open.
And the Swede insists his display at Augusta National, where he finished tied for third, can help take his game to the next level.
Part of Europe’s 2010 winning Ryder Cup Team, the 34 year old is now fourth on The Race to Dubai and second in the points list to be part of José María Olazábal’s side at Medinah in September.
“I think The Ryder Cup was really important for me - it showed that I can get in there and play with the big boys,” said Hanson.
“That is one of the reasons I have been able to do better in the WGCs this year and Augusta. Hopefully I can build on that for this week and then the Majors for the rest of the year. And the Ryder Cup again obviously. I am looking forward to this week and getting back into tournament mode again.
“It’s nice to be back on The European Tour and China is a special place. The way we get treated when we come, by Volvo and everyone else, is second to none.”
The fact the event at Binhai Lake is sponsored by Volvo provides extra motivation for Hanson and his fellow Swedes. He added: “They have always been great and it is one of those events where you look forward to. For me as a Swede it is one of those big brands that I think all Swedish people are extremely proud of and I always try to come here.
“I am good friends with Per Ericsson who runs these events and it is nice to be able to come here and catch up with him and have a few dinners with old friends.”
Hanson led with 18 holes to play at Augusta National, but says there is no sense of disappointment at missing out on the play-off that eventually saw Bubba Watson overcome Louis Oosthuizen for the Green Jacket.
“I am very proud of the performance,” he added. “I have to say that I was a little bit disappointed when I walked off that 18th green on the Sunday but that left me pretty quick. I still had a smile on my face when I was driving the car home on the Monday as I realised had a great weekend and a great tournament.
“It is such a special place that you have always dreamt about playing since you were a kid. You watched Freddie Couples and all those guys and now you are there, right in the mix with them.”
