July 28, 2018
Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Canadian golfers Ryan Yip and Mackenzie Hughes are embracing the opportunity at their national championship. After shooting a 66 and 67 respectively in their third rounds, Yip and Hughes shot up the leaderboard, in the mix to contend for a title during the final round on Sunday.
It has been 104 years since the last Canadian-born player won the Canadian Open. Carl Keffer won the Canadian Open in 1914 and was the last golfer from Canada to complete this feat, etching himself into the country’s golf history forever. While many Canadian golfers have come close to hoisting their national Open in recent years, most notably Mike Weir in 2004 losing in a playoff to Vijay Singh at Glen Abbey, there has not been one to battle the pressure and expectations to get to the finish line.
But tomorrow, in front of the raucous Canadian crowd in Oakville, Yip and Hughes are in prime position to shoot a low score, putting themselves in position to claim the Open trophy for Canada.
Ryan Yip Chooses Canadian Open and It Pays Off
Calgary native Ryan Yip could have been playing a Web.com Tour event this week, He has two top-10’s on the Web.com this year, including a tie for fifth at the Panama Championship.
But national pride and playing for Canada made the choice to compete in this week’s Canadian Open an easy one for Ryan.
“This is Canada. I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to play in my home country,” stated Yip.
In perfect conditions at Glen Abbey, Yip hit 10 of 14 fairways and 11 of 18 greens in regulation. What made the Canadian’s round spectacular was his impeccable putting, leaving no misses on putts within 10 feet.
“The conditions were perfect, the greens were in great shape and the putter got hot,” said Ryan. “This week I had been struggling with my iron play but today, everything was clicking in the right direction.”
Starting the day four under and nine back of the leaders, Yip’s 66 put him within three shots back and right in contention, birdieing four of the last five holes. With his parents accompanying him for the tournament, Ryan’s choice to participate in his national championship has clearly paid off for the young golfer, playing in his first Canadian Open in front of the home fans.
“I love being here. I’ve never played the Canadian Open before and it is a great event. I’m relishing the moment, and hopefully I can play well tomorrow.”
Mackenzie Hughes Avenges Last Year’s Disappointing Third Round with a five-under 67
Last year, Dundas, Ontario native Mackenzie Hughes shot a 67 and 69 in the first two rounds, putting him near the top of the leaderboard heading into the weekend. But a third round 73 put him out of contention, ending up finishing in a tie for 32nd after 72 holes.
Today, the young Canadian avenged his third round performance from last year, shooting a five-under 67 that put him in the clubhouse as the lowest Canadian in the field. His round could have been even lower since he nearly holed out from the fairway on the par-5 18th to make an albatross.
“Once I saw it land just short and it was coming across the green, I saw it go in and it looked like it had a chance,” stated Hughes after the round. “I had a 7-iron from 200 yards and decided to go for it because I’m not here to finish 30th. I almost got a three, but a four is pretty good too.”
Hughes hit 8 of his 14 fairways and 13 of 18 greens in regulation. After a six on the 11th hole, where the Canadian skulled his second shot over the green, he went five under his last seven holes, ending his round with three consecutive birdies. Mackenzie credits his patience on the back nine for righting the ship down the stretch.
“I got a tough break on 11. I had the worst divot I’ve ever been in in my life,” stated Hughes. “Despite making a six, I told myself I was playing well and didn’t get impatient. I had some chances coming in and kind of got hot there.”
Let’s have some fun again today! #therink @RBCCanadianOpen https://t.co/kc16zKCRGU
— Mackenzie Hughes (@MacHughesGolf) July 28, 2018
Sitting currently in a tie for 11th, the Canadian has a fantastic opportunity to post a score tomorrow and make the Canadian crowd rooting with pride. It is hard to say what is the target number to reach tomorrow, given the soft conditions of the golf course. But Hughes is embracing the opportunity as a Canadian to hopefully break the winless streak tomorrow at the Canadian Open.
“It is fun to be playing in front of the home fans. I don’t know how far away the leaders are going to get. It was a lot harder when I played, since I had to deal with wind and rain. It feels good to be near the top of the leaderboard. I’m just hoping that I’m still within striking distance.”
