Sweden’s Peter Hanson capitalised on the early errors of playing partner Rory McIlroy to hold on for a one-shot victory over the world No 1 at the BMW Masters on Sunday.
Overnight leader Hanson posted a final round 67 for a 21-under-par total on the Lake Malaren course to capture his second European Tour success in three events and move behind Briton McIlroy at the top of the Race to Dubai standings.
The 35-year-old, who won the Dutch Open in September, stretched his advantage at the start of the day from one shot to four when his 23-year-old Ryder Cup-winning team mate recorded back-to-back bogeys from the fourth hole.
Double major winner McIlroy regrouped to birdie four of his next eight holes before highlighting his round with a 25-foot eagle putt at the par-five 15th, moments before Hanson walked off with a birdie.
Despite a final-hole bogey, Hanson held on to capture a sixth European Tour win while the US$1.66 million first prize cheque is easily the biggest of his career.
“It’s fantastic to win the BMW Masters and to go head-to-head with the world No 1 is always nice, but to come out on top, it feels great,” Hanson told reporters.
“It’s kind of weird because when you have that kind of lead you’re playing a bit safe and I couldn’t really step it up towards the end, hit the shots and get it up close to the pin.