Northern Irishman Michael Hoey reckons he’s enjoying the benefit of undergoing nasal surgery in the off-season.
The five-time Tour winner birdied three holes in succession from his 15th in a round of 69 to move to three under par to finally get one back on the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship course.
Michael Hoey in a good mood on day two of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. (Picture: Eoin Clarke | Golffile – www.golffile.ie)
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In the past five years in the UAE capital Hoey has enjoyed a love/hate relationship in the event missing the cut last year, including posting a second round 74, but then sharing 10th spot in 2014.
He was well back in 61st place in 2013, T48th in 2012 while shot scores of 75 and 76 in 2011.
“It was must better today as I hit quite a lot of fairways as you have to do here, and that’s the best I’ve ever done through two rounds in this event,” he said.
“So if you’re on the fairways you can go at the flags, as the greens are pure here but if you’re in the rough you’re fighting to make par.”
The delay meant Hoey, who was awoken at 5.40am for an original 8.20am tee time did not commence his round to 11.05am.
And the Belfast golfer is also sleeping soundly as the results of his nasal surgery.
“I had surgery done over the break as I have just struggled the last few years with my sinus being blocked-up all the time from all the flying we do and so on,” he said.
“The surgeon said he was pleased with the operation and while I didn’t know where I was for the first weeks after the surgery, I feel really good now and looking forward to the year ahead.”
