Mackenzie Hughes made headlines on May 8, 2025, by finishing the first round of the Myrtle Beach Classic with an 8-under 63. With a string of birdies on his last four holes, Hughes took a one-shot lead at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Golf fans are watching closely since the event serves as a potential springboard for the PGA Championship for golfers who aren’t already eligible.
Mackenzie Hughes is well-known on the PGA Tour, with two previous titles to his name. However, it has been over two years since his last win. This strong start at Myrtle Beach puts all eyes on him during a week when attention is split, as a signature event at the Truist Championship runs simultaneously. His performance has energized the competition, with several notable players hot on his heels.
Myrtle Beach Classic Leaderboard
The opening round leaderboard at the Myrtle Beach Classic reflects a highly competitive field. Mackenzie Hughes leads at 63, with three players tied just one shot behind at 64: Séamus Power, Thorbjorn Olesen, and Will Chandler. Each of these golfers delivered impressive performances, setting the stage for tight competition as the tournament unfolds.
Sitting just behind the leaders are several experienced players and rising stars. The low first-round scores signal favorable course conditions and showcase how varied the field is, from seasoned tour veterans to teenagers just starting their professional careers. Fans tracking the cut line will note that several well-known names are already in the hunt.
The group at 66 includes 44-year-old Nick Watney and 17-year-old Blades Brown. Their contrasting paths to this tournament add deeper storylines to the event’s early pulse. Brown, in particular, draws excitement as he enters his first year as a pro and immediately puts his name among the leaders.
Key Moments from Mackenzie Hughes’ First Round
Hughes’s most dramatic stretch came at the end of his round, as he birdied five of his last six holes. This run included birdies on each of the final four holes, vaulting him from a good round to an outstanding score. The Canadian golfer’s ability to finish strong under pressure made an impression on his competitors.
A key factor was his new approach to putting. Hughes said in his post-round comments that he changed his routine, putting more quickly and with a greater sense of instinct, which paid off immediately. He remarked, “Putted nicely today. Then at the end there I kind of caught fire. I can’t remember the last time I birdied the last four holes.”
This outstanding finish is not common, even for experienced pros. Hughes’ hot putter and aggressive playstyle in closing holes separated him from the rest of the field on a day when birdies were essential to keeping pace.
Hughes’s new-found confidence with the putter may be the missing ingredient he has needed over the past few seasons. His ability to deliver in clutch moments and capitalize on scoring opportunities could carry him far in this tournament.
PGA Championship Spots on the Line
The Myrtle Beach Classic isn’t just another event – it’s a critical chance for some players to snag a last-minute invitation to the PGA Championship. The winner at Myrtle Beach secures a spot in next week’s PGA Championship, held at Quail Hollow, provided they aren’t already qualified. For Hughes, winning here would be a confidence boost, but he and some of the leaders are already part of the PGA field.
Séamus Power and Thorbjorn Olesen, both on Hughes’ heels, have already earned their places at Quail Hollow. Will Chandler, however, is not yet in the next major. His strong opening round not only gives him a shot at the title but may also become a pivotal career moment if he manages to clinch the win and, with it, the coveted PGA entry.
- The winner claims a PGA Championship spot if not otherwise qualified
- Immediate future impacts for those near the top of the leaderboard
For many players, a major championship ticket adds extra intensity to each shot at Myrtle Beach. Qualification can make a career, give sponsors more visibility, and open opportunities for ranking points and endorsements. These stakes make the event more meaningful than a regular tour stop.
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Standout Performers Chasing the Lead
Beyond Hughes, Séamus Power and Thorbjorn Olesen tied for second at 7-under 64. Both are regulars on the international golf circuit and have shown consistent play in big events. Their presence near the top of the leaderboard suggests that the battle for the win will be fierce heading into the weekend.
Will Chandler’s play stands out not just for the score but for what it means for his tour status and future. Having not yet qualified for the upcoming major, Chandler is playing with extra urgency. His round was marked by steady iron play and composure in key moments.
- Séamus Power and Thorbjorn Olesen both brought proven experience
- Chandler fights for a career-changing opportunity
- Younger players and veterans populate the top of the board
This group’s performance reminded fans that early leads at PGA Tour events are rarely safe, as many have the firepower and poise to put together low scores at any time. The presence of different types of competitors – from international stars to up-and-comers – makes this leaderboard one to watch closely.
Other notable names putting pressure on the leaders include past winners and talented rookies, making for a compelling chase as round two approaches.
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Impact of Myrtle Beach Classic Timing
The Myrtle Beach Classic takes place the same week as the Truist Championship, a signature event on the PGA Tour. This timing creates a unique field, as some of the game’s highest-ranked players are committed elsewhere. As a result, Myrtle Beach features more emerging players and veterans seeking to revitalize their careers.
This scheduling decision gives lesser-known professionals a rare chance to secure a tour win and, possibly, a PGA Championship spot. For fans, it creates the potential for breakthrough stories and upsets, with the tournament drawing greater focus among those trying to move up the professional ladder.
Industry observers note that these opposite-field events are crucial for player development, as they provide valuable tour experience in high-stakes conditions. With the schedule so tight, every shot matters, and these tournaments can quickly change a player’s season or even their career trajectory.
Playing conditions also reflect springtime in South Carolina, typically offering firm but fair greens that reward aggressive play. That, combined with the unique composition of the field, makes this edition of the Myrtle Beach Classic one full of uncertainty and opportunity.
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Mackenzie Hughes’ Recent Form and Changes
Hughes arrived in Myrtle Beach looking to break a winless streak that extends over two years. Poor putting had hampered his results in recent weeks, leading him to overhaul his routine. This time, he chose to trust his instinct, play faster on the greens, and focus on freedom rather than overthinking each stroke.
“Putted nicely today. Then at the end there I kind of caught fire. I can’t remember the last time I birdied the last four holes.” – Mackenzie Hughes
This change in approach dramatically improved his results in the opening round. Hughes’ new routine helped him stay sharper mentally, and the statistics from round one backed this up. He had fewer putts per round than his recent average, translating directly to a lower score.
- Focused on instinctive play on the greens
- Improved short game a major factor in current success
Hughes’s experience, combined with a fresh mindset, is helping him regain confidence. His ability to adapt is a testament to the mental challenges and constant search for improvement that defines top-level golf.
This tournament offers him the ideal opportunity to build momentum as the season progresses. Golf fans know a hot putter can often lead to a run of good form beyond a single week.
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Potential Dark Horses in the Field
Beyond the main headline names, the field at Myrtle Beach is filled with players looking to make their mark. Will Chandler is the most obvious example, standing on the threshold of a major career breakthrough. Others have also shown flashes of form, and early rounds at events like this often see surprises emerging by the weekend.
- Will Chandler, just a shot behind, stands to benefit most with a win
- Other lesser-known pros have a real chance with many big names away
Fans who follow these PGA Tour alternate events know that sudden runs from previously unheralded players are the norm. The stakes are especially high for anyone chasing their first win, as a victory means extra playing status, exemptions, and – in this case – the chance at a ticket to the year’s next major championship.
With experienced campaigners and young professionals in the hunt, the next rounds could bring even more fresh names to the sport’s spotlight. Those who come through under these conditions often build momentum that lasts well beyond a single event.
Veterans and Young Guns in the Mix
The early leaderboard at Myrtle Beach features an exciting mix of golf veterans and up-and-coming prospects. Nick Watney, age 44, has not won on the PGA Tour since 2012, but his experience is shining through in this field. Meanwhile, the tournament also marks a big debut for 17-year-old Blades Brown, playing his first year as a pro and immediately making an impression.
- Nick Watney, 44, aiming to end a 13-year win drought
- Blades Brown, just 17, competing fearlessly among experienced pros
Events like these give younger players the confidence that they can compete at a high level. For senior players like Watney, strong starts revitalize their careers and provide a chance to relive the thrill of victory after years away from the winner’s circle.
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The wide range of ages and career stages among the contenders adds drama for spectators. Watching whether youth or experience prevails is a major subplot as the tournament moves into its final rounds. It’s these intergenerational battles that often lead to golf’s most memorable moments.
Notable Facts from Day One
The first round of the Myrtle Beach Classic produced more than just a leaderboard shakeup. Several unique storylines added color to the opening day. Hughes’ 63 was notable not merely for its score, but for the way it was constructed – closing with five birdies over six holes, capped by four birdies in a row.
Key facts from day one include:
- Two-time PGA Tour winner Mackenzie Hughes leads after 18 holes
- Blades Brown, at 17, stands among the top group in his first year in the pros
- 44-year-old Nick Watney fighting for his first win in over a decade
- Multiple players can earn a PGA Championship spot with a win
- The tournament opened under ideal golfing conditions, leading to low scores
These threads combine to make the 2025 Myrtle Beach Classic one of the most unpredictable and engaging stops on the current PGA Tour calendar. Early results suggest plenty of shifts and more stories to come as the event reaches its later stages.
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What’s Next in the Myrtle Beach Classic?
The field will be reshuffled as day two of the Myrtle Beach Classic gets underway. Eyes will be on Hughes to see if his putting can stay hot and whether those close behind can close the gap. The chase pack includes international talent, promising rookies, and proven tour winners – making for a suspenseful weekend ahead.
Weather and course conditions are expected to remain mostly steady, allowing players to be aggressive in their pursuit of red numbers. For those not already in the PGA Championship, a strong finish at Myrtle Beach can be transformative, ensuring a spot at Quail Hollow and a shot at golf’s grandest stages.
The tournament promises new twists as players jockey for not only the trophy, but crucial points and possible major championship invitations. As Myrtle Beach continues, the pressure will only grow, bringing out the best in those with the nerve and talent to seize the moment.
This makes following each round essential for golf fans. Fast starts are important, but the tournament will ultimately be decided by who can maintain composure and capitalize as nerves tighten and the finish approaches.
