High hopes for Hoey

MANILA, Philippines — Rico Hoey of the Philippines opened the PGA Championship with an even-par 70 to sit three shots off of a crowded lead pack bannered by Scottie Scheffler Thursday in Pennsylvania.

Hoey recovered from early bogeys on the second, fifth and sixth holes of the Aronimink Golf Club, making up with birdies on Nos. 7, 10 and 15 to salvage his 33-37 card and stay within striking distance of defending champion Scheffler and his co-leaders.

The 30-year-old Fil-Am shared 34th to 49th after the opening salvo of action in the prestigious event, one of golf’s major championships.

World No. 1 Scheffler shot a 67 to grab pole position alongside Aldrich Potgieter, Min Woo Lee, Alex Smalley, Ryo Hisatsune, Stephan Jaeger and Martin Kaymer.

One shot adrift at 68 were Sahith Theegala, Max Greyserman, Xander Schauffele, Corey Corey Conners, Patrick Reed and Shane Lowry.

A stroke back at 69 stood a big group that included Jon Rahm and Jason Day.