By Rachel Treasurer, europeantour.com
at Royal Aberdeen
Northern Ireland's Michael Hoey fired a blistering 29 on his back nine to move into contention in the first round of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open.
After an unremarkable eight pars and a bogey on the front, the 35 year old fought back to claim four birdies and an eagle on the par four 15th on his way home to shoot a five under par 66, currently two behind leader and compatriot Rory McIlroy at Royal Aberdeen.
The five time European tour winner was understandably very pleased with his performance.
"The back nine was down wind, it was a lot easier than the front,” said Hoey, whose best finish at the Scottish Open was an 11th place back in 2001 at Loch Lomond. “The front nine was very, very difficult. I saw Rory was four under after nine - that was very impressive.
"There were a few birdie chances in the back nine. I drove it to ten feet on the 13th, knocked it in for eagle, that helped a lot and then two good swings the last two holes meant I finished birdie, birdie for 29 so that always helps.
“The course is really defined, the fairways, rough. It's all in front of you, it's great, probably like a Portrush type setup which suits me.
"But definitely good preparation at the French Open last week, and hopefully this week will be good preparation for next."
Hoey is back in action again from 1210 on Friday once more with Spaniard Alvaro Quiros And the 2007 Scottish Open champion, Gregory Havret.
