Michael Hoey threatened to record the first 59 in European Tour history before having to settle for a share of the lead on a low-scoring first day of the Rocco Forte Open in Sicily.

Northern Ireland’s Michael Hoey cruised into the quarter-finals of the inaugural Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Matchplay today.

European Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke looks set to add another first to his illustrious playing career by travelling to Russia later this year.

A week spent playing golf with two former Northern Ireland soccer players along with the acquisition of a very expensive putter has put Michael Hoey in contention at the BMW International Open in Munich.

Northern Ireland’s Michael Hoey was producing the best golf of the day to move to nine under, the five-time European Tour winner bouncing back from a bogey on the second with seven birdies in the next nine holes.