Thailand Classic

Hoey sets course record as he races into opening day lead

ESPN staff

February 12, 2015

Woods takes indefinite break from golf

Michael Hoey fired eight birdies on his way to setting a course record eight-under 64 at the opening round of the Thailand Classic.

Hoey leads three players in second and said the calm conditions gave him an advantage on a day when he carded three straight birdies on the back nine.

"No bogeys, no fives on the card and a course record is a nice start," Hoey said.

"I hit the ball well and it suits me that there's a bit of length off the tee - you can carry a few corners and reach the par fives.

"I'm swinging the club nicely so hopefully I'll put three more good rounds together and see what happens."

David Lipsky shares second place with Carlos Pigem and Chien-yao Hung, on seven-under, while Miguel Angel Jimenez fired five-under.

Jimenez also found time to entertain the crowd with some slick dance moves after an eagle on the ninth.

Elsewhere, Paul Waring was forced to withdraw after injuring his shoulder on the 14th, while Simon Khan has pulled out with a knee injury after shooting six-over par.

Thailand Classic leaderboard