Hoey is in the mix after 64

Rico Hoey made a blazing start to his title bid, firing a 7-under-par 64 highlighted by an eagle and seven birdies in the opening round of the Bank of Utah Championship at Black Desert Resort in Ivins, Utah, on Thursday.

Hoey, who finished runner-up in last year’s tournament, was just two shots off the lead after a low-scoring opening day that saw the field take full advantage of the resort’s favorable conditions.

American Zach Bauchou grabbed the early lead with a career-best 9-under 62, closing with back-to-back birdies to move one stroke clear of a crowded leaderboard.

Bauchou sank a 12-foot birdie putt on the par-3 17th before reaching the 602-yard 18th in two shots and making a two-putt birdie from 25 feet for his first 18-hole lead on the PGA Tour.

The 25-year-old, ranked No. 86 in the FedExCup, said he was more focused on improving his game than his position in the season-long standings. Only the top 100 after the FedExCup Fall retain full PGA Tour cards for 2027.

Canada’s Sudarshan Yellamaraju was among the early pace-setters with a 63, while England’s Jordan Smith produced one of the round’s most spectacular finishes.

Smith holed a 30-foot birdie putt on the eighth before producing an albatross on the par-5 ninth, holing his second shot from 238 yards. It was the first albatross of his career.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever done it, so it was pretty special, and to end a round like that is even more special,” Smith said.

Defending champion Michael Brennan also opened with a 64, continuing a remarkable rise that began with his victory in Utah last year after receiving a sponsor exemption while headed for the Korn Ferry Tour. He has since won twice and earned his PGA Tour card.

Presidents Cup International team member Nick Taylor also shot 64, closing with a 50-foot eagle putt, while teammate Christiaan Bezuidenhout matched the score.

Jackson Koivun, fresh from an unbeaten Presidents Cup debut, endured a rough start with three straight bogeys but recovered with four birdies in his final five holes for a 69.

With the scoring average around 68, Hoey will need another strong round Friday to remain in the thick of the early title race and position himself for another deep run in Utah.