RICO Hoey fired an opening nine-under par 63 in just his fourth career start on the PGA Tour, putting himself just one shot off the lead in The American Express on Friday.
The 28-year old PGA Tour rookie was born in the Philippines but grew up in California, the reason he was familiar with the PGA West courses which he grew up playing as a youth.
Hoey was quick to take advantage, firing nine birdies without a bogey at the Nicklaus Tournament Course to move just a shot behind joint leaders Zach Johnson and Alex Noren.
The only Filipino player on the PGA Tour has made the cut just once so far, failing to reach the weekend in last week's Sony Open in Hawaii after opening with a 71 and 72 for a three-over total.
Hoey's Philippine roots
The 156-man field will compete over three golf courses before the low-65 and ties make the cut for the final round, to be played at PGA West Stadium Course.
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