Filipino PGA Tour rookie Rico Hoey made heads turn in the PGA Tour after firing a nine-under 63 to trail American Zach Johnson and Swede Alex Noren by just one stroke in La Quinta, California Thursday (Friday Manila time).
In what could be his finest start ever, Hoey, 28, birdied four the last six holes in a backside start, including the last two to gain attention from the top guns of the tour.
The former Junior World champion made it three straight with another birdie on hole No. 1 before producing another burst of brilliance that saw him string up four birdies starting on hole No. 4.
That pushed him in among the early frontrunners at joint third in the $8.4 million event with South African Christiaan Bezuidenhout, who matched Hoey’s nine-birdie blast at the La Quinta layout.
Hoey secured a coveted Tour card after finishing fourth in the 2023 Korn Ferry Tour season rankings highlighted by a victory in the Knoxville Open.
However, the day simply belonged to Johnson and Noren with the former producing a bogey-free 10-under 62 spiked by a six-birdie roll from No. 4 for a 29-33 card.
Noren exploded early at the back by birdying the first three holes before gunning down an eagle on the par-5 No. 13. He also birdied Nos. 15 and 16, but double-bogeyed the 17th before rattling in four birdies in the last five holes at the front to gain a share of the lead.
Hoey could have forged a three-way tie if not for a missed opportunity on No. 9 where he putter short.
Still he was happy and contented with his game especially that some members of family and friends were cheering him on/
“It was kind of cool having everyone out here. My family, my dad, girlfriend coaches, everyone,” said Hoey, a Rancho Cucamonga High alum in an interview with the Orange County Register.
Born in the Philippines but raised in Rancho Cucamonga, California, Hoey had a great time on desert courses, including the Nicklaus tournament layout, during his junior golf days in Southern California.
“I played out here a handful of times and all the other tracks as well,” said Hoey. “It’s a little bit nicer. I would say, it’s a lot firmer. The conditions are just awesome. They keep it well-kept throughout the year. But it was just really fun being out here and playing how fast and firm it was today.”
While enjoying the favorable conditions on Thursday, Hoey acknowledged the potential challenges ahead, especially if the wind comes into play.
