Michael Hoey went deep into red numbers by setting a new course record eight under par 64 to lead the opening day of the True Thailand Classic at the Black Mountain Golf Club.
The Belfast-born golfer bagged eight birdies in ideal scoring conditions to be one clear of American David Lipsky, Spain’s Carlos Pigem and Taiwan’s Chien-yao Hung.
The five-time Tour winning Hoey benefited from emailing his swing to his coach and then coming out on day one of the inaugural co-sanctioned event to not drop a shot.
“We had ten or 11 holes with not much wind, which was an advantage teeing off early,” said Hoey.
“I hit the ball well, and it suits me that there’s a bit of length off the tee; you can carry a few corners and reach the par fives.
“No bogeys, no fives on the card, and a course record is a nice start. I’m swinging the club nicely so hopefully I’ll put three more good rounds together and see what happens.”
Hoey capped his round with three birdies in succession from the 13th hole of his round. The effort was just two shots shy of Hoey’s lowest Tour score of 62, and also a course record and as well in Asia, recorded in the Enjoy Jakarta Standard Chartered Indonesian Open in 2005.
Michael Hoey on route to a Black Mountain course record 64 on day one of the Thailand Classic. (Photo – www,europeantour.com)
