Hoey hits course record 64 to lead Thailand Classic
Trio share second place after opening 65s
HUA HIN: Northern Ireland’s Michael Hoey shot a course record 64 and took a one-stroke lead in the first round of the Thailand Classic yesterday.
The former British Amateur champion had eight birdies in a bogey-free round at the Black Mountain Golf Club in the inaugural US$2 million tournament.
American David Lipsky, Hung Chienyao of Taiwan and Carlos Pigem of Spain were tied for second at the country’s richest golf event co-sanctioned by the European and Asian tours.
India’s Shiv Kapur celebrated his 33rd birthday by posting a 66 to take outright fifth place at Thailand’s first European Tour event in eight years.
Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat was joint sixth on 67 along with compatriots Pariya Junhasavasdikul and Prayad Marksaeng, Alex Noren of Sweden, Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain, Matt Ford of England, Renato Paratore of Italy and Scott Hend of Australia.
Five-time European Tour winner Hoey said that it was nice to finish the round without a bogey and admitted that playing in the morning gave him some advantages because it was not windy.
“It has been a long time since I last had a bogey-free card,” said the 35-year-old.
“I’m swinging the club well so hopefully I can put three more good rounds together and see what happens.”
He said that a course without rough suited him because he could cut a few corners and reach the par-five holes in two.
“Hopefully I can follow it up tomorrow. Friday 13th is going to be lucky for me,’’ said the Ulsterman.
Kiradech, whose only European Tour win was the 2013 Malaysian Open, was at seven-under after 17 holes but suffered a double bogey at the last to drop to 67.
But the 25-year-old was satisfied with his overall performance except for the final-hole setback.
“The only bad thing was at the final hole,’’ said Kiradech whose round included an eagle, seven birdies, two bogeys and a double bogey.
“I really want to play well here for my fans and my family.”
Pariya, who enjoyed a bogey-free round, said that his iron play was so great and that gave him a lot of birdies chances from close range.
Hua Hin native Prayad, who won the King’s Cup tournament here last year, said it was a good start for him although he should have done better.
“My putting is better than it was last week but I still missed short birdie putts in four holes,” said the 49-year-old.
“There are three more days to go and I am now getting used to the green speed.”
Six-time European Tour winner Thongchai Jaidee was on 69 after making six birdies and three bogeys.
Joining him at 20th place included Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn, India’s Anirban Lahiri, who won last week’s Malaysian Open, and Sweden’s Johan Edfors.