Hoey Wins European Tour Event

April 6, 2009

Clemson, SC – Former Clemson golfer Michael Hoey won the Estoril Open on the European Tour in Cascais, Portugal on Sunday afternoon. Hoey, who was a member of the 1999 and 2000 Clemson golf teams, won in a playoff that last three holes against Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano of Spain.

Hoey had rounds of 66-76-69-66 on the par 71 Oitavos Dunes Course. His final round 66 forced a playoff with Fernandez-Castano, who had a 67 in the final round. The two players both made par on the first two playoff holes, then Hoey won the event when he made an 8-foot par putt after Fernandez-Castano missed a 12-foot par putt.

Hoey won E208,330 (pounds) and moved up to 25th place on the European tour money list for the 2009 season. He is the first former Clemson golfer to win a European Tour event.

A native of Northern Ireland, Hoey was a member of the 1999 and 2000 Clemson teams that finished in the top 10 at the NCAA national tournament. He played in the 1999 ACC, NCAA regional and NCAA national tournaments. He was Clemson’s third best golfer at the ACC Tournament and regional that year. He finished 12th at the 1999 ACC Tournament and 37th at the NCAA Regional.