Flawless Hoey smashes Carden record

MICHAEL HOEY broke the course record with a flawless eight-under-par 63 in the first round of the European Tour School stage one qualifier at Carden Park, Cheshire, yesterday.

The 23-year-old from Belfast club Shandon Park, invited to this year’s US Masters following victory in the Amateur Championship last season, attributed the perfect start to regaining his touch on the greens.

Hoey had a session with putting expert Harold Swash during the Formby Hall Challenge two weeks ago and it paid off as he reeled off eight birdies to lead the field by three shots.