By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Rico Hoey shot a closing 4-under-par 67 to settle for the runner-up honors in the Bank of Utah Championship at the Black Desert Golf Course in Ivins, Utah on Sunday, Oct. 26.
The 30-year-old Fil-American, who represents the Philippines, came through with six birdies against two bogeys to finish four strokes behind eventual champion Michael Brennan with a four-round tally of 18-under 266.
He had earlier rounds of 68, 68 and 63 in this $6 million event.
With his feat, Hoey pocketed $654,000 (around P38.3 million) apart from ranking points.
Brennan, meanwhile, carded a 66 to go from a sponsor exemption to a PGA Tour winner for a four-shot victory of 262. He had rounds of 67, 65 and 64.
Hoey got within three shots after the 10th where he made a birdie and Brennan stumbled with a rare bogey. But Brennan held his ground, hammering down birdies on the 12th and the 14th to keep everyone at bay.
Still it was Hoey’s best finish so far this season where he appeared to be on a roll after tying for fourth at the Baycurrent Classic two weeks ago. He missed the cut at the Sanderson Farms Championship prior to that.
So far, he has played 28 events and made it to the Top 10 five times, only missing the cut nine times.
