Hughes heating up as open awaits in hometown

Hamilton native notches top-10 finish in Texas

Kevin Na said earlier this week he would stop his trademark move of walking in putts, but there he was Sunday afternoon taking a giant step toward his ball on the 72nd hole moments before it poured into the hole for birdie to seal the deal on his third PGA Tour win.

Na shot a 4-under 66 Sunday to win the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas.

His 13-under total was four shots better than runner-up Tony Finau, who shot a 2-under 68 in the final round.

Na began the day with a twoshot lead and birdied four of his first eight holes, never opening the door for his challengers.

Canadian Mackenzie Hughes was one of a group of players who started the final round two shots back. Hughes played in the final group with Na, but couldn’t put any pressure on the eventual winner.

Everyone who plays golf long enough knows the game can drive you crazy at times. Few people know this better than Na. The 35-year-old Californian is often seen battling his golf demons on the PGA Tour.

In 2012, Na had the driver yips and was, at times, unable to begin his backswing. The feeling of dread would also come mid-swing and he would reroute his swing over the ball, seemingly whiffing it. Rules officials determined this odd movement did not count as a stroke because Na didn’t attempt to hit the ball.

Perhaps because Na would verbally berate himself over these idiosyncrasies, Na remained popular with fans and other players despite being known for slow play.

On Sunday, one of golf’s most obvious tortured souls saw all the work and mental anguish pay off with his third win.

The 28-year-old Hughes had just a single birdie Sunday and shot a 2-over 72 to finish in a tie for eighth at 5-under with four other golfers, including local favourite Jordan Spieth. It was Hughes’ second top 10 of the season and an encouraging sign for the Hamilton, Ont., native, who will return home next week when the RBC Canadian Open hits Hamilton Golf and Country Club.

Colonial is a tight, difficult course that demands strategy and one that Hughes felt suited his game.

Canadians Corey Conners and Roger Sloan finished at 1-over. Ben Silverman finished at 2-over. Mike Weir finished at 5-over and Nick Taylor missed the cut.