Peter Hanson Sings Dunhill Links Front-Running Jimmy Mullen’s Praise.

Sweden’s Peter Hanson enjoyed a front row seat today alongside rookie professional Jimmy Mullen who shares the lead after two rounds of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

Mullen added a 69 at the Old Course to his opening 64 at Kingsbarns and will head to Carnoustie tied with fellow Englishman Anthony Wall.

Sweden's Peter Hanson very impressed with rookie professional Jimmy Mullen. (Photo - www.golffile.ie)

Sweden’s Peter Hanson very impressed with rookie professional Jimmy Mullen. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)

The 21-year old Mullen is contesting his first full tournament as a professional while Hanson added a 72 to his first round 70 to be tied in 66th place at two under par and nine shots adrift of Mullen.

Hanson, who will celebrate his 38th birthday on Sunday, has competed in over 300 Tour events since turning pro in 1998.

However the six-time European Tour winner and double Ryder cup winning Swede says Mullen is a far better player than he was at a similar age.

“Jimmy was very impressive and he putts really, really well and you can see his confidence comes from the greens,” said Hanson.

“His lag putting is exceptional and that’s a big key in playing the Old Course or any links courses, and I don’t think I saw him wobble once.

“His ball-striking is good as he hits the ball straight and while he’s not in the same league as McIlroy he is still nevertheless very impressive.

“But then I looked at him comparing myself at that age and he’s far better than I ever was when I was aged 21, and Jimmy’s like a lot of the top talented amateurs coming out on Tour now as they are far better prepared.

“We saw what he did in the Walker Cup winning all four matches and now he’s tied for the lead.

“He’s also very mature and to see the way he navigated himself around the golf course was very impressive.”



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