Last season was a break-out year for the Turkish Airlines Challenge champion Joachim B. Hansen. In 19 starts, the 28 year old compiled two wins, three runner-up finishes, and another four top tens, against only four missed cuts, to complete his campaign as Challenge Tour Number One.
Hansen, who made his debut appearance on Europe’s top developmental circuit in 2009, arrived at the Turkish Airlines Challenge with three seasons - 2013, 2014 and 2016 - of European Tour experience under his belt but not a single win on either Tour.
The Dane had missed the first cut of the year but was ready to perform in Turkey — his tied second place finish two weeks earlier at the Belt & Road Colourful Yunnan Open giving him an early shot of confidence, and an early start on his graduation bid.
A solid, but measured, start of three under par 69 was backed up by a second round 66 — which featured five birdies and an eagle on the 18th hole.
It was déjà vu on the weekend as Hansen turned in a repeat of the first two days by shooting 69-66, highlighted by birdies on the 70thand 71stholes to separate himself from the field and secure a three shot victory on 18 under par.
“I’m very relieved and satisfied to win after so many years,” he said after winning “I have had five second places before so to finally get it done down the stretch is a great feeling.
“I didn’t know what to expect to shoot today so six under and almost nothing to set a finger on is very satisfying and I’m proud of myself.
“It feels good to get my first Challenge Tour win. After so many second places I felt like ‘am I ever going to win? Is it possible?’”
Bolstered by his Turkish Airlines Challenge success, Hansen flourished. He picked up his second win, on home soil, at the Made in Denmark Challenge before graduating to the European Tour at the top of his class.
