PGA Tour rookie Rico Hoey failed to advance in Hawaii’s Sony Open last week. However, he is on the right path at the American Express. According to sports news reports, he shot nine-under-par 63, a stroke behind leaders Alex Noren and Zach Johnson.
The 28-year-old former Junior World champion earned a Tour card by winning the Knoxville Open and placing fourth in the 2023 Korn Ferry Tour. Despite getting off to a slow start, he closed the round with four birdies, including the final two, on one of the three desert courses he is familiar with.
According to sportsbook software experts, Hoey extended his run of consecutive birdies to three on the first hole and capped off his incredible round with an exciting four-birdie burst from the fourth, putting him in the hunt for the lead in the $8.4 million event. He is tied for third place with South African Christiaan Bezuidenhout, who equaled Hoey’s nine-birdie explosion at the La Quinta layout.
PGA Tour Rookie Rico Hoey a Stroke Behind Leaders
Sportsbook pay per head providers witness two scorching moments at La Quinta: Johnson shot a bogey-free 10-under 62, capped by a six-birdie run from No. 4 for a 29-33 card, while Noren exploded early on the back nine with three birdies and an eagle on the par-5 no. 13.
In a steady onslaught, Noren scored birdies on holes 15 and 16. He faltered on hole 17 and made a double bogey. However, he recovered to birdie four of the final five holes in a row to tie for first place with a pair of 31s. Even though Hoey nearly shared the lead after missing a short putt on No. 9, he was still excited to play in front of his loved ones.
According to bookie PPH experts, Hoey was born in the Philippines. However, he spent his childhood in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Also, he recalled playing some junior golf on desert courses in Southern California, including the one designed by Nicklaus.
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