Rookie Hughes leads after 61
Canadian newcomer Mackenzie Hughes is the first-round leader at the RSM Classic after a stellar nine-under-par 61 on Thursday.
The PGA Tour rookie, who recently graduated from the web.com Tour, briefly flirted with a 59, but will no doubt be satisfied with his score.
Hughes carded nine birdies in a bogey-free round at Sea Island resort in Georgia, although he could only close with three straight pars. He birdied three of his first five holes and four of his first seven.
“It was one of those days where everything was kind of clicking and was going right,” Hughes said. “Toward the end there I had a chance to shoot 59 and I was thinking about it, but came up a couple short. But it was a great day.”
Veteran Stewart Cink looked set to join Hughes at the top, but a closing bogey saw him settle for a 62 and a share of second place with countryman Jonathan Byrd – a Sea Island resident.
Fellow Americans Cameron Tringale, Kyle Stanley and Blayne Barber lie in a tie for fourth on seven under alongside Japan's Hiroshi Iwata.
Other notables include South Korea's Seung-Yul Noh and South African Ernie Els, who both opened with four-under 68s.
Latest
-
PGA TourWebb Simpson eyeing Ryder Cup return after winless 2021
The American tees it up this week at the Sony Open, an event where he has a fine record.
-
PGA TourCameron Smith secures record-breaking wire-to-wire victory in Hawaii
The Australian made history at Kapalua with his winning total.
-
PGA TourViktor Hovland happy to be reunited with lost golf clubs in Hawaii
Viktor Hovland was able to breathe a sigh of relief after being reunited with his golf clubs six days after losing them in transit.
-
PGA TourPhil Mickelson confirmed for Tournament of Champions after 21-year absence
Phil Mickelson has confirmed his participation in next month’s Sentry Tournament of Champions on the PGA Tour.
-
NewsTiger Woods ‘worn out’ after second-placed finish with son at PNC Championship
Team Woods finished two shots behind John Daly and his son John Daly II in Orlando.
-
NewsTiger Woods and son Charlie three shots back at PNC Championship in Orlando
The 15-time major winner was back in action after injury
-
Matt CooperTiger’s back: All the best social as Tiger Woods returns to the golf course
The 15-time Major Champion played his first round of golf in public since his car accident in February.
-
NewsTiger Woods plays down expectations ahead of competitive golf return
Woods is playing with his son Charlie art this weekend’s PNC Championship.
-
NewsExcitement building ahead of Tiger Woods’ return this weekend
Woods and his son Charlie will tee-off with Thomas and his dad Mike on Saturday afternoon in Orlando.
-
NewsTiger Woods set for return to competitive golf at PNC Championship
The 15-time major winner is back after injury.