Michael Hoey admitted he felt ‘deflated’ after posting a shock eight over par 78 on his debut in the WGC – Bridgestone Invitational.

Hoey and Portuguese Masters winning partner, Tom Lewis find themselves at the bottom of the 78-player leader board heading to day two after dismal rounds in very hot conditions on the Firestone course.

Hoey, who is competing in the event for a first occasion, failed to manage a single birdie in dropping four shots over each nine.

Michael Hoey on route to a 78 on debut in Akron, Ohio. (Photo - Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

He was then observed remonstrating after the round his through the ball action in front of coach, Jamie Clough.

A check of Hoey’s first round stats revealed he managed to hit just five of Firestone’s 14 fairways and then a third of the 18 greens.

“I’m totally deflated,” he said.

“I hardly happy and it’s the same old stuff.  It’s very frustrating, and you just can’t come across here and play this poorly.

“I’ve been working very hard with Jamie but just can’t seem to get on top of it.”

Hoey revealed earlier in the week he will use his two weeks in the States, that also includes his debut in next week’s PGA Championship, as a ‘yardstick’ in assessing whether he will enter the PGA Tour School at the end of the year.

However Colin Byrne, the Irish-born caddy to Lewis, put his young player’s round into perspective.

“Well, at least we broke 80,” said Byrne smiling.