Hughes finishes as top Canadian at 2023 U.S. Open

Mackenzie Hughes shot a 1-over 71 in the final round of the U.S. Open to finish the tournament as the top Canadian at 6-over.

"I actually played quite nice today. One of those things where a lot of good shots just turn out too great," said Hughes following his round. "It's one of those days and the course is playing tough. Whoever iwns this championship will really earn it.

"This year, or these last six months, have been really challenging. I've had bright spots but I'd say my game has been more up and down than I'd like. This week I made some big strides and I felt like I saw some things I was really happy with. I feel like I've got some momentum now and I'm looking forward to the rest of the year."

Adam Hadwin (+11) and Adam Svensson (+12) were the only other Canadians to make the cut at Los Angeles Country Club. Hadwin fired a 5-over 75 on Sunday to finish in 59th place, while Svensson was 4-over on the day and finished in a tie for 60th.

"I'm happy to be going home," Hadwin said after his round. "I had a great warmup once again but there's a disconnect between what's happening on the range and what's happening on the golf course. I hit some good shots and it was nice to get a couple birdies today but I just didn't have it this week.

"There's a lot of disappointment this week. I felt like I was primed for a much better week than this."

Svensson, who made his first U.S. Open appearance, said he hopes to learn and grow from his experience on the tough LACC course.

"I was playing well there for a little bit then kind of lost the swing. I'll figure it out and move on," said Svensson. "I feel like my attitude was great. I kept grinding even though I was at the bottom. Just trying to figure out something for next week and hopefully the next major will be better.

"The more I play these the more I'll learn to navigate around tough golf courses and get better from there."

Canadian Open winner Nick Taylor struggled just one week after his historic win on home soil as he missed the cut at 4-over through 36 holes.

Corey Conners (+4), Taylor Pendrith (+5), and Roger Sloan (+5) also missed Friday's cut.