Michael Hoey shares lead after super 61

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.

Hoey fired eight birdies in his first 11 holes at Verdura Golf Club and after a run of four straight pars, another birdie on the eighth left him needing to play his final two holes — having started from the 11th — in three under.

A superb approach to the par-five ninth left Hoey with a 20ft putt for eagle, but the 38-year-old left his attempt short and did the same with a birdie putt on the last.