Chris Hanson will tee off in the Scottish Open on Thursday with a niggling knee injury but another £14,500 in the bank.
The Woodsome Hall European Tour professional picked up the cash thanks to a Tied 45th finish in the 100th Open de France in Paris and now has 145,260 points in the Race to Dubai standings.
Hanson is delighted to now be heading for the Aberdeen Asset Management-sponsored event at Castle Stuart Golf Links in Inverness, with a chance to qualify for the Open Championship at Royal Troon next week.
And he insists the left-knee injury – which required ultrasound before the Paris event on the 2018 Ryder Cup course – is not going to hold him back.
Hanson said: “It was normal prep in France apart from having ultrasound on a recurring pain in my left knee.
“It’s nothing major to worry about but a slight tear in the cartilage.
“It’s manageable with ice, and it’s a matter of elevating it and not putting any extra stress on it.
“It only hurts when I squat to read putts, so in my swing it has no negative effect.”
Hanson reported driving was key in France, with tough shots even from the semi-rough, and he was pleased to shoot three under to be right in the mix on Day One.
In the second round, he pulled a drive on the 13th which bounced and hit a spectator, while Round Three was a delight simply for partnering Padraig Harrington.
Hanson reported a solid final day, with his final score of six over down to rounds of 68, 75, 77 and 70.
“I was pleased with that final round and to move up the leaderboard, and I’m really chuffed to be in the Scottish Open – bring it on,” he added.
