Mackenzie Hughes, a seasoned PGA TOUR professional, is making waves at this year’s RBC Canadian Open held at Hamilton Golf & Country Club. Returning to his hometown tournament, the 33-year-old from Dundas, Ontario, is leveraging his vast experience and home crowd support to vie for another significant victory on Canadian soil.
Reflecting on his journey, Hughes recalls his first appearance at the Canadian Open at just 21 years old, wide-eyed and overwhelmed by the moment’s grandeur. Now, with two PGA TOUR wins under his belt and a matured perspective, he remains dedicated to delivering his best performance in front of enthusiastic Canadian fans. Hughes fondly remembers watching the tournament as a child, eagerly seeking autographs from players. Today, he finds himself on the other side, signing autographs and inspiring the next generation of golf enthusiasts.
Competing in this event involves more than just golf for Canadian players. Hughes embraces the additional responsibilities and relishes the extra cheers from the home crowd. He acknowledges the unique experience of playing on home turf, surrounded by friends and family, and the special camaraderie among the 28 Canadian players participating, including defending champion Nick Taylor and Hughes’ former Kent State teammates, Taylor Pendrith and Corey Conners.
The excitement and support from Canadian fans make the RBC Canadian Open a standout event for Hughes. He highlights the significance of Nick Taylor’s dramatic playoff victory last year and expresses his determination to achieve similar success. Playing well in front of a home crowd adds a layer of pressure, but it also fuels Hughes’ drive to excel. His six-under 64 in the second round showcased his exceptional form and readiness to contend over the weekend.
Corey Conners, a fellow Canadian and former teammate, praises Hughes’ performance and the ease with which he navigates the greens. Conners admires Hughes’ ability to maintain a hot streak, noting the beautifully rolling greens at Hamilton Golf & Country Club as an ideal setting for his friend’s putting prowess.
At seven under par, Hughes leads the Canadian contingent, setting himself up for a promising weekend. Reflecting on his second round, Hughes appreciates the solid foundation he has built for the coming days. Despite any minor disappointments, his overall performance positions him strongly for the final rounds, where he hopes to capitalize on his momentum and hometown advantage.
As Hughes continues his pursuit of victory at the RBC Canadian Open, he carries the hopes of Canadian golf fans and his personal ambition to triumph on familiar grounds.
