Belfast golfer Michael Hoey was feeling somewhat cursed after a stomach bug on the eve of the DP World Tour Championship sapped the energy out of his first round campaign.

Hoey struggled with the driver and had it not been for his short game and putter the five-time Tour winner would have easily shot more than a one over par 73.

It continues an unfortunate trend for the affable Irish golfer whose career has been marked by mystery illnesses.

“I got the most out of my round as I just hit it shocking,” he said.

“I’ve just been unfortunate again as I felt really good yesterday and I’ve eaten something yesterday and it’s just wiped me out.

“I’ve not had food poisoning and it’s just that I feel so tired with lethargic swings.   I was hitting the ball so well coming into this week with my legs

Michael Hoey on route to a one over par 73. (Photo – Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)

feeling very strong but I’m going back to my hotel and again going to my bed.

“It’s just something I ate for lunch yesterday and it’s got me I’ve had cramping.

“So I really good have shot five or six over par given my ball-striking was so bad but then my short game and putting was really good and to shoot to one over par was pleasing.”

And Hoey revealed he is looking forward to the pleasure next Monday of the becoming a father and with wife Bev due to give birth to the couples first child.

“We don’t know yet whether it will be a boy or a girl but one thing I know it will change the Hoey household,” he said smiling.