Rico Hoey birdied the 18th hole to cap a round of three-under-par 69 at the start of the US PGA Tour Texas Open on Thursday.
Hoey collected five birdies against two bogeys to join a big group in 12th spot, six shots behind Sam Ryder, who carded six birdies in the last seven holes to grab a one-shot lead over fellow American Keith Mitchell.
Chasing his first PGA Tour title, Ryder fired a bogey-free, nine-under 63 at TPC San Antonio, starting with three straight birdies from the 12th to 14th, before finishing strong with birdies on 16, 17, and 18.
Mitchell, who set the early pace with an eagle and six birdies in an eight-under 64, sits one stroke behind.
Brian Harman, the 2023 Open Championship winner, shot a six-under 66 to claim third, while Jordan Spieth, a three-time major champion, carded a five-under 67 to tie for fourth with Carson Young.
Ryder, who withdrew from Wednesday’s pro-am due to neck pain, admitted he had low expectations heading into the round. But he quickly found his rhythm with early birdies and then exploded on the back nine.
“It was a pretty good day,” Ryder said, noting he made several key birdies on tough holes and took advantage of the par-fives.
Mitchell also found success with an eagle on the par-five eighth, though he admitted a bit of luck helped, as his second shot from the rough ended up three feet from the pin.
Both Ryder and Mitchell are looking to secure an invitation to next week’s Masters with a win, while Harman and Spieth are tuning up for Augusta National.
