2015 Madeira Islands Open: Hot putter to deliver Hansen first win
Published:
Because of its co-sanctioning with the Challenge Tour and parallel running with the prestigious Arnold Palmer Invitational stateside, the Madeira Islands Open gives a few lesser lights the chance to shine.
Refreshingly for the value-seekers, there is no clear favourite to claim the honours on the scenic Portuguese Island course, which can throw up some squally conditions.
Among the most notable names is Welshman Bradley Dredge who took this trophy way back in 2003, though having finished no better than 50th in three starts this season, there are far more appealing 25/1 shots.
One such is Danish golfer JB Hansen. Alongside a host of other 25/1 chances it is Hansen’s current touch with the flat stick, allied with a previous near miss in similar conditions which forms the basis for what should be a concerted tilt.
He may only have finished 37th in his only start of 2015 but his putting was sublime at the Joburg Open, elevating him to European Tour leader in Putts per GIR and second in Putts per Round.
Although Hansen has not worried the final-day leaderboard at Madeira in two previous visits, the Dane finished five-under-par in 2013, the same season he posted his best finish on the European Tour.
That third at the Scottish Open in windy conditions will serve Hansen well in the exposed environment at the panoramic Clube de Golf do Santa da Serra layout.
A consistent bridesmaid from his time on the Challenge Tour – posting a quartet of runner-up spots before earning his Tour card in 2013 – he’s got a golden chance of breaking his stroke-play victory duck.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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