Mackenzie Hughes seems to be finding his rhythm on the golf course.
The Canadian entered the clubhouse in second place after shooting 5-under 66 in the second round of the RBC Heritage in Hilton Head Island, S.C., on Friday.
Hughes, who had an early tee time, was two strokes back of leader Justin Thomas, who shot 10 under on Thursday and had an afternoon start Friday.
Thomas made a pair of birdies on the crusty, breezy back nine at Harbour Town to salvage a 2-under 69 for a two-shot lead once action concluded, his first 36-hole lead in more than four years.
Hughes ended the day as the top Canadian. He's tied for sixth at 8-under with Scheffler. Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., is tied for 46th at 2-under. Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., is tied for 55th at 1-under, while Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont., is tied for 66th at 2-over. Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford is 70th at 4-over.
"I felt like today was quite solid, and I don't think I really could have shot a whole lot worse, which is nice. I feel like my game's in a good spot," Hughes told reporters after his round.
"... Excited for the weekend. Hopefully the leaders don't get too far out in front. Yeah, we'll see what happens.
The Dundas, Ont., golfer has gone bogey-free in 36 holes this week after receiving a sponsor's exemption into the Signature Event.
"I don't think it changes the way I approach it, but I'm certainly grateful for the opportunity," he said. "That's probably the resounding feeling is just that I'm very happy and thankful to be here and was thankful that RBC granted me the invite and trying to make the most of it.
Hughes had his first top-10 finish of the season in his last start, placing 10th at the Houston Open after shooting 66 in each of the last three rounds.
Hughes, 34, is a two-time winner on the PGA Tour, most recently in 2022 at the Sanderson Farms Classic.
— With files from the Associated Press
