Yorkshire golf: Chris Hanson making most of '˜bonus' appearances on '˜Desert Swing'

Woodsome Hall's Chris Hanson with Abzorb director Steve Beeby.

He could see it but, because of restricted playing privileges having earned his card via the Qualifying School, he was unable to touch it.

This year, having moved up the Tour’s hierarchy after successfully retaining his card, the 31-year-old is not only playing on the early-season passage through the Middle East, but profiting to the extent that he has risen to 26th in the nascent Race to Dubai rankings.

Having placed 23rd in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, Hanson finished 18th in the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters and heads to this week’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic in buoyant form and mood.

The latter is heightened by being reunited with his family, wife Laura and young daughters Jessica and Olivia, after a three-week gap.

“It is nice to play the ‘Desert Swing’ and everything feels like a bit of a bonus at the moment,” said Hanson, who was only a shot off the lead at the halfway stage of the Qatar Masters.

“I am really enjoying the experience. Every week presents a new opportunity and you do see a totally different side to the Tour – it is brilliant. You get the higher quality fields and the bigger prize funds and, at the end of the day, I’m just trying to learn and become a better player.”

To that end, Hanson often puts in a 12- to 14-hour day incorporating pre-round practice, the round itself, post-round assessment and practice and a trip to the gym.

It leaves little or no time for sight-seeing – “I did see a shopping mall half a mile way last week when I went to eat in the evening” – although this week he will alter his agenda to enjoy time with his family.

Hanson has further cause to celebrate with Brighouse-based telecommunications company Abzorb announcing their continued support for him.

“Their support helps massively as does the support of all my backers,” said Hanson.

“I can’t thank Abzorb and (director) Steve Beeby enough for their support in my rookie season on the European Tour. Having their support had a huge impact on my performance throughout the year and retaining my Tour card for the 2017 season.”

Hanson is also backed by dpppublicity, Stromberg clothing and betoptima.com.

“Their support does free me up to be able to go out and play good golf and not worry as much about the expense of it all,” said the Huddersfield man, who has banked €83,196 so far this season.