Ian Poulter's eight-birdie finale earns him third place in Ontario

Vegas from Venezuela wins Canadian Open

again, after play-off v Hoffman

OAKVILLE, Ontario –  Jhonattan Vegas, last year's winner, won his second-straight title north of the border in a Canadian Open play-off against American Charley Hoffman. Vegas became the sixth golfer to defend at the Canadian Open, and the first since Jim Furyk in 2006-2007.
Vegas had rounds of 66, 69, 67 and 65 for an aggregate of 267, matched by Hoffman's rounds of 68, 66, 65 and 68.
England's Ian Poulter finished in third place, only a shot behind the play-off participants after a great last round of 64, which included eight birdies
A year ago, Jhonattan Vegas was on FaceTime with his family back home in Venezuela, celebrating his win as best he could.
This year, he got the real thing, as wife Hildegard and daughter Sharlene Marie were on site at Glen Abbey.
“I would say it has to be the sweetest victory out of the three. Just having my family here, even my mom and dad… they were with me my first time I won. But having my wife and daughter, and especially my daughter, being with my daughter for the first win. It's hard to compare that. It's hard to put it in words,” said Vegas. “It's just really fun, watching them really enjoy it in person and seeing how nervous they are when I'm on the course playing. Every time you get a chance to share these moments with your family, it's just really grateful.”
With his win, Vegas nearly locks up a spot on the International Team for this year’s Presidents Cup team, a feat he said would be ‘awesome.’
“It's always a lifetime dream to be part of some of those great teams. I mean, not that many guys can experience what being on a Presidents Cup,” said Vegas.
By his own admission, Vegas said he was in ‘great form’ heading to the PGA Championship in two weeks, stating he feels like he can compete on a major stage.
“Obviously I’ve never put myself on a major stage to win, but I feel like my game is good enough,” he said.
With the future of Glen Abbey uncertain, Vegas said he would be one of the biggest voices to make sure the course stays put.

“Especially if I keep winning here,” said Vegas, laughing. “I'll definitely make a statement on trying to keep Glen Abbey going.”

 

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Hughes finishes as Low Canadian

For the first time in his career, Mackenzie Hughes won the Rivermead Cup as the Low Canadian at the RBC Canadian Open.
Hughes, from nearby Dundas, Ont. (about 20 miles from Glen Abbey), had a robust crowd out following him all week. Although he finished with a bogey on the par-5 18th Sunday, the week overall was positive, he explained.
“Obviously yesterday was a disappointing finish. But I wanted to come out here and finish strong and show some pride and try and be low Canadian,” said Hughes. “Last hole was a bit sour tasting and I'm probably going to think about that one for a little while. I had my sights set on three and I made six. That's a pretty tough pill to swallow, but lesson learned… don't get ahead of yourself. Overall it was a fun day and a really fun week.”
Hughes finished at 10-under par and tied 32nd. He went to Kent State University in Ohio, and played Firestone Country Club – the host of next week’s WGC-Bridgestone Invitational – a couple of times while there.
“It’s a really nice golf course, demanding, and you have to drive the ball really well there,” he said, as he prepares to make his debut at that event. “I'm excited for a major-type venue, and hopefully it's a nice week.”
And while it was a whirlwind week for Hughes – his family and friends hosted a baby shower Sunday evening for him and wife Jenna, as they are expecting their first child on October 28th, and the par-3 course he grew up playing was renamed in his honor Tuesday – he admitted he managed to make time to speak with Presidents Cup assistant captain Mike Weir about the prospect of making that team.
“Obviously I know I'm a ways out from making that team, but you know, if I go out and win Firestone, then I'm obviously in contention to get on that team. (Weir) will be out there and hopefully I can put some good form together and a few good rounds and just see where that puts me. I'm not going to put any more pressure on myself to try and win. If I go out

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