MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Mackenzie Hughes of Canada closed with a flourish by making birdies on the last four holes, shooting an impressive 63 (-8) in the first round of the Myrtle Beach Classic.
The PGA Tour event, which is played simultaneously with the Truist Championship, grants the winner a spot in the PGA Championship, as long as they are not already qualified.
However, neither Hughes nor two of his immediate pursuers, Séamus Power and Thorbjorn Olesen, meet this requirement, as both have secured their participation in next week’s Quail Hollow tournament.
Will Chandler also signed a card of 64 strokes and has not yet qualified for the PGA Championship.
Hughes capped off his performance with a blistering run, scoring five birdies in the final six holes. The Canadian golfer, who has two PGA Tour victories, hasn’t celebrated a title in over two years.
After feeling that his putting game had failed him in recent weeks, Hughes modified his routine, seeking greater speed and instinct on the greens.
“I putted really well today,” Hughes commented. “And I caught fire at the end. I don’t remember the last time I birdied the last four holes. Definitely a really nice finish.”
Mackenzie Hughes
In the group that finished with 66 strokes were Nick Watney, 44, who hasn’t won in 13 years, and Blades Brown, 17, in his first year as a professional.
