Michael Hoey confessed his biggest fear in grabbing a Thai victory takeaway is getting through Friday the 13th, and also the occasion of his 36th birthday.
Hoey went deep into red figures with a blistering new course record eight under par 64 on the opening day of the inaugural co-sanctioned Thailand Classic on the Black Mountain course.
Michael Hoey on route to a course record 64 on day one of the Thailand Classic. (Photo – Thos Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)
It put the Belfast top of the queue with a one stroke lead a day before his birthday as he chases a celebration wish of a sixth Tour title.
“I need to follow up this good round tomorrow and hopefully given it is my birthday, and on Friday the 13th, it will be my lucky day,” he said.
“But then I am just pleased to get something good out of my round as I have been working very hard for a long time on my game.”
Hoey posted eight birdies in his round and highlighted his day with three birdies in succession from his 13th hole.
The effort also is the second course record Hoey has established in Asia after posting a 62 during the 2005 Indonesian Open in Jakarta.
“This Black Mountain course is very scoreable as there is not that much rough and the wind hadn’t picked up by the time I ended my round,” he said.
“Overall, I putted good and hit the ball and was able to reach the par 5s in two so that was the key m good scoring, and it’s nice to set a new course record.
“Also I had emailed my swing from the practice range to my coach and he came back with a lot of positives saying I was swinging it well.
“As well, the course is not as demanding at the Middle East courses but then the greens are still tough here.”
Damien McGrane, and the only other player in the field, posted a two-over par 74 in a round of two bogeys and 16 pars.
