Wrap Up: Hoey Rampant in Russia
By: Nick Bonfield | Mon 29 Jul 2013
Michael Hoey shot a closing 70 to post a 16-under-par 72-hole total and win the M2M Russian Open by two shots from Alexandre Kaleka and Matthew Nixon at the Tseleevo Golf and Polo Club near Moscow.
The Northern Irishman has now won four tournaments in the last three years, following victories at the 2011 Madeira Islands Open, the 2011 Alfred Dunhill Links and last year’s Trophee Hassan II.
Hoey trailed Simon Dyson – the only player taking part inside the world’s top 100 – Rikard Karlberg and Liang Wen-Chong by three shots after round one, but a Friday 67 left him two back heading into the weekend.
He started the third round with a birdie but could only muster pars at the next five holes in favourable scoring conditions. He was about to catch on fire, though.
The Ulsterman sandwiched an eagle at the par-5 8th with birdies at seven and nine before adding another at the long par-4 10th.
A bogey would follow, but a timely three at 12 and a closing birdie at 18 propelled him into a five shot lead with one round remaining.
On Sunday, a calm and collected Hoey parred the first six holes and birdied seven and eight to turn in 34.
In reality, no one came close to catching him, and a level-par back nine was enough for a final-round 70 and a comfortable four-shot victory.
Talking points:
Magnificent Michael
Michael Hoey is perhaps overshadowed by compatriots Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke, but he deserves significant recognition for his golfing achievements. Hoey seems to plod along under the radar, but winning five times on the European Tour is no mean feat. Given its size, the performance of Northern Irish golfers this millennium has also been phenomenal. Since 2000, Ulstermen have notched 28 victories on the European Tour. That’s an average of more than two wins a season.
More woe for Kafelnikov
Being good enough to turn professional in one sport is impressive in its own right, but making the pro ranks in two is incredible. The likes of Ian Botham and Babe Zaharias had great success in two or more sports, but, sadly, the same cannot be said for Yevgeny Kafelnikov. He’s played 14 events on the European and Challenge Tours since 2008, and made the cut in none of them. His all-time European Tour stroke average is 80.75 and he’s yet to record any official earnings. Still, you have to admire his persistence and dedication.
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