If there was any doubting Michael Hoey’s ability the softly spoken Northern Irishman put paid to that with a rousing two-stroke victory in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
The 31-year old from the Belfast suburb of Ballymoney will bank the biggest prize cheque of his career after signing for a final round 68 to win by two strokes with an impressive 22-under par total.
Michael Hoey celebrates with family and friends on the Swilcan Bridge. (Photo - www.goflbytourmiss.com)
Hoey withstood the final day assault of the U.S. Open winning pair, and also good friends, Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell.
McIlroy commenced the last day of the $US 5m event five shots behind Hoey and raced to be tied for the lead after eight holes.
However the Congressional winning champion stalled over his inward nine recording just one birdie at the 12th in a round of 65 for a 20-under par total.
McDowell, who played the closing round alongside Hoey, also failed to get into top gear after starting well with three birdies in his first six holes.
However last year’s Pebble Beach winning hero had to settle for a share of third place with Scotland’s George Murray (67) after playing his closing 12 holes in level par.
Hoey’s won twice before on the European Tour including the Maderia Islands Open earlier this year.
He has also won three times on the Challenge Tour where he had to return after losing his Tour card in 2002 and his first full year as a pro.
Victory earned Hoey a Euro 588,148 first prize cheque and has assured him a place in the HSBC Champions event next month while he will travel back to the States next July for the WGC – Bridgestone Invitational.
“I’ve watched a lot of golf on TV and I’ve always watched Firestone, Ohio, and I thought to myself, if I can play in those events I would be unbelievably happy,” he said.
“So to win this event is a dream come true.
“It’s the same now getting into the HSBC Champions. I’ve watched all of those events over the years on TV and now I’m finally playing in them. I’m ecstatic.”
But while Hoey was thrilled, McIlroy again let slip a third victory on the Race to Dubai Tour.
McIlroy went clear of the field when he birdied the par three 11th but hopes of breaking through also for a second success this year faded with seven closing pars.
McIlroy was heading to South Korea for this week’s Korea Open with his sixth second place result in Europe since turning pro four years ago.
“I’m very disappointed as it would have been great to get another win this year as that’s what I am really pushing for,” said McIlroy.
“It’s great to see Michael win but it’s tough for me I would have liked to win.”
McDowell is heading back to his Florida home with his next event being the McGladrey Classic at Sea Island in Georgia.
However before leaving the Home of Golf, McDowell was full of praise for Hoey and Northern Ireland golf.
“It’s dream stuff for Northern Ireland as this course could be in Northern Ireland as it has that feel to it,” said McDowell.
“We’re reasonably close to home here and playing golf in Scotland is the nearest thing to a Northern Ireland Open.
It’s great stuff from the guys. I’m happy for Michael. I know how tough the tour is but he showed his class today.
“Those people who don’t know him will be surprised.
“Those that do won’t be so shocked.
“With the three names that were up there, mine included, the bookies wouldn’t have had him winning but Rory and I both know how good he is.
“As for myself it’s always disappointing when you are in the mix and don’t get the job done.”
Murray’s effort saw him wrap-up his Tour card for 2012 in collecting his best ever prize cheque of Euro 198,676.
Murray was soon heading to his beloved Anstruther Golf Club, located about a 15-minute drive from St. Andrews, where was celebrating moving from 180th to 87th on the Race to Dubai money list.
MEANTIME –
Struggling Nick Dougherty celebrated success with BBC Radio 2 star Chris Evans in the team championship.
Dougherty, individual Dunhill winner in 2007, missed the cut this year but collected $US 50,000 thanks to Evans’ effort for the team to win by three shots with a combined 40-under par tally.
Evans played off a handicap of 10.
Hoey and Texan William Farish Jr, and a former aide to U.S. President George Bush , were second on 37-under par.
Rory McIlroy and his father, Gerry were tied fifth (33-under par) and Padraig Harrington and J P McManus (30-under par) sharing ninth.
