NORTHERN IRELAND’S MICHAEL HOEY was on course for a remarkable overhaul of Ross Fisher’s five-stroke lead at the Tshwane Open until a double bogey on the closing stretch scuttled his championship holes.
Starting the day on 13 under, Hoey reeled off three birdies and an eagle over his first 11 holes before disaster struck at the 12th. The 25-year-old had enjoyed himself on the par four hole over the opening rounds, recording birdies there twice, but came a watery cropper this afternoon.
Within a stroke of his English opponent, Hoey struck his approach from the middle of the fairway into the green-side lake. With the €240,000 first prize looking increasingly unlikely, the Ballymoney composed himself two card a pair of pars on the next two holes before sinking a birdie putt on 15.
The double bogey was unfortunate but Fisher may have eventually pulled clear with Hoey breathing down his neck. The 33-year-old landed an eagle on 15 to take his score to 21 under. A dropped shot on the last brought him a little close to the pack.
Hoey finished joint second with local golfer Danie van Tonder. The pair will share second and third placed cheques for a split of €280,000. Waterford golfer Kevin Phelan finished joint sixth after closing out with a round of 70. Shane Lowry finished tied for 39th on four under.
