Michael Hoey was pretty pleased with himself posting a first ever bogey-free of the New Year on day one of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.

The Northern Irishman Hoey carded a four under par 68 in bright but windy conditions to be just three shots adrift of the leading duo of South African Louis Oosthuizen and Spain’s Pablo Larrazabal.

Michael Hoey (NIR) sinks his birdie putt on the 18th green during Wednesday’s Round 1 of the 2016 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters held at the Doha Golf Club, Doha, Qatar. 26th January 2016.
Picture: Eoin Clarke | Golffile
All photos usage must carry mandatory copyright credit (© Golffile | Eoin Clarke)

Hoey posted two birdies on each half and in a display in finding all but one green in regulation on the Doha Golf Club course.

It was first time in four years competing in the Qatar capital that the five-time Tour winner has not dropped a shot.

“I’ve not had a bogey-free in my two events this year, so that’s a first and I’m very pleased,” he said.

“I hit a lot of fairways and then managed to get it onto the greens on all but one occasion so I was­­ giving myself a lot of chances.

“So overall it was pretty solid round of golf.

“And I’ve got a pretty good record here in Doha playing all four rounds going back to 2011 so hopefully that trend continues tomorrow.”