Ryan Gerard and Rico Hoey Lead the Barracuda Championship
In an exciting day at the Barracuda Championship, Ryan Gerard and Rico Hoey tied at the top of the leaderboard, demonstrating an outstanding performance in a tournament that uses the modified Stableford scoring system. Gerard, with a birdie achieved thanks to an impressive 20-foot flop shot on the final hole, and Hoey, who had an impressive streak at the end of the day, accumulated a total of 34 points. Both players, seeking their first victory on the PGA Tour, showed great determination on the course.The scoring system used in the tournament awards eight points for a double eagle, five for an eagle, and two for a birdie. On the other hand, one point is deducted for a bogey and three for a double bogey. In windy conditions at the Tahoe Mountain Club, Gerard scored 12 points in his round, while Hoey achieved four birdies in the last six holes, accumulating eight points on the day. Erik van Rooyen, winner in 2021, is one point behind the leaders. Van Rooyen achieved an eagle on the par 5 third hole, accumulating eight points in his round.“I hit a great shot and was lucky it went in the hole,” Gerard commented. “It’s something special. A very good way to finish. Hopefully, it’s a good omen for tomorrow.”
Ryan Gerard
Gerard has been playing for six weeks in a row, starting with the U.S. Open and traveling to Scotland last week. Tom Vaillant, from France, is two points behind the leaders, with a total of 32 points after a nine-point round. Hayden Springer and Vince Whaley accumulated 29 points. Ben Martin, who led the first round with 16 points, had a second round without points, falling to 55th place. The tournament, which is played simultaneously with the British Open, is co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour. The winner secures his place in the PGA Championship, but not in the Masters.“Just keep believing in myself and see what happens,” Hoey said.
Rico Hoey
