Michael Hoey’s most recent of five career European Tour wins came at the M2M Russian Open two years ago, and the Northern Irishman returns to Moscow this week feeling like his game is in good shape to take on the stunning new venue at Skolkovo Golf Club.
The 36 year old romped to a four shot victory two years ago at Tseleevo Golf Club to add to his impressive tally of wins which also includes four Challenge Tour titles.
It was his fifth triumph on the top tier in the space of four years but Hoey has since struggled to continue that incredible winning form, something which he is hoping to change this week at an event which invokes his freshest memories of victory.
“It’s a good opportunity here for myself and some of the younger guys to come and try get a win because the field isn’t as strong as the likes of Wentworth or the bigger tournaments,” said the former Amateur Champion.
“I used to play Challenge Tour at Moscow Country Club, which was always a fantastic course and when I won two years ago it was at Tseleevo – another great golf course. This is quality too, so the course is always when you come here.
“I haven’t really been totally sharp this year. We had a baby at the end of last year so we have two kids now and that can be tough with the travelling.
“I’m definitely disappointed not to have challenged as much this year but I’ve secured my job on The European Tour for next year so at least I have that. It’s been a tough year with the two young ones but it should get easier and I’m feeling great now so hopefully the end of the year can be good.
“I’m hitting the ball well but I just need to hole a couple of putts. If I’d putted better last week I definitely would have been top five so I’m looking forward to the week now. I putted really well two years ago and it was a similar course so if I can do that this week then you never know.”
Hoey certainly enjoys his time in Russia and, with this year’s spectacular new venue just inside the city limits of Moscow, he is looking forward to taking in some of the sights as well making the most of the pristine conditions on a Jack Nickaus Signature Design lay-out owned by Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich.
“It’s very different over here,” said Hoey. “The Red Square and all the buildings here are quite spectacular, so I’m going to try and see a bit of the city, and we’re closer to the centre this year which is good. I always like going to different places like this.
“Hopefully the game grows here thanks to events like this. I know not as many people play the game here as back home but hopefully that can change because the courses here are fantastic. I don’t think many people play this course and it’s in immaculate condition so we’re fortunate to be on it.
“It’s just quality here. It’s quite wide off the tee and it’s a Nicklaus design so the greens are shaped side-on. The putting surfaces are phenomenal and it’s quite straight-forward but it’s very enjoyable.
“Around the greens, Jack has a lot of bunkers where, if you bail out you could have a tough shot coming out of a downslope in a deep bunker. That’s his design and maybe the bunkers won’t come into play much off the tee but definitely around the greens.”
Hoey is joined in the field by the defending champion David Horsey, who still has the memories of his latest European Tour victory fresh in the mind. The Englishman claimed the 2015 Made in Denmark title two weeks ago so will be in buoyant mood in Moscow.
Former Ryder Cup players Edoardo Molinari and Soren Hansen are also present for the first counting event in the points race for the 2016 edition of golf’s greatest team event in Hazeltine.
