Hoey shines with season-best finish in Japan

Rico Hoey of the Philippines plays a shot from the 16th tee during the second round of the Sanderson Farms Championship 2025 at The Country Club of Jackson on October 03, 2025 in Jackson, Mississippi.

Raj Mehta / Getty Images / AFP

MANILA, Philippines — Rico Hoey delivered his strongest performance of the 2025 PGA Tour season, capping off a resilient campaign with a bogey-free, eight-under-par 63 in the final round of the Baycurrent Classic on Sunday. His sizzling effort secured him a tie for fourth at the Yokohama Country Club in Japan — a timely breakthrough as the season winds down.

The 30-year-old, backed by ICTSI, fired four birdies on each nine of the par-71 layout, compiling a brilliant 32-31 round to finish at 14-under 270 over four days (68-68-71-63). His final score placed him in a tie for fourth with three others, five strokes behind American Xander Schauffele, who clinched victory with a 64 for a 265 total.

Schauffele, a two-time major champion, closed strong with three birdies over his last five holes to fend off fellow American Max Greyserman, who surged with a final-round 65 to finish one shot back at 266.

Michael Thorbjornsen, also from the US, placed solo third with a 64 for a 268 total.

Hoey's resurgence comes just a week after missing the cut at the Sanderson Farms Championship in Mississippi, showcasing the mental fortitude and bounce-back ability that define top-caliber professionals.

His flawless Sunday round was a statement of intent — he is ready to compete at the highest level — and win.

This fourth-place finish marks Hoey's best showing this season, eclipsing his previous top-10 finishes at the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic (T7), Barracuda Championship (T8), and Procore Championship (T9). It also underscores the steady development of the Filipino-American as he builds his presence on the world’s most competitive golf tour.

Although 2025 has had its share of ups and downs, Hoey’s top-four finish in Yokohama proves he remains one of the most promising golfers of Filipino descent on the PGA Tour today.

He first made headlines last year with a runner-up finish at the ISCO Championship, where he narrowly lost in a playoff — his first in a PGA Tour event. He also notched a tie for third at the Shriners Children’s Open, establishing himself as a legitimate contender.

Hoey’s recent performance serves as a proud moment for Filipino golf, particularly as the country looks for its next international star in the sport.

While veterans like Frankie Miñoza and Juvic Pagunsan paved the way in Asia and Japan, Hoey is forging a path on the PGA Tour — a far more global and competitive arena.

With greater consistency and the confidence gained from strong showings like this one in Japan, Hoey is fast emerging as the Philippines’ best bet to secure a breakthrough PGA Tour win — a feat that would be historic for the country.