JACKSON, Miss. Golf has an impressive collection of prestigious awards, from a green jacket that is a work of art to a jug that players would love to drink out of. These trophies are as synonymous with golf as clubs in bags. Mackenzie Hughes’ collection, who is the Sanderson Farms Championship defending winner, is more eclectic.
Hughes stated Tuesday that when Hughes’ oldest son asked him to give me a trophy he did not have this one in mind.
The Sanderson Farms Championship at The Country Club of Jackson begins Thursday with a rooster on a pedestal. Hughes’ trophy shelf is unique. It includes a rooster and a stuffed bear head that he won in an amateur tournament at age 20.
Hughes, who won the Canadian Amateur Championships consecutively in 2011 and 2012, isn’t complaining. He wants to be the first PGA Tour player to win back to back titles in Mississippi since Dwight Nevil did it in 1973 and 1974.
“I told my son that I can’t really be too specific with trophies,” said this 32-year old father of three, who lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Whenever they arrive, we will take them as they arrive.”
Hughes relives the glory of Sanderson Farms Championship 2022
The memories started to flood in as he played back nine on Tuesday’s practice session. Hughes remembered the shots he made in high-pressure situations that led to his playoff win against Sepp Straka.
He made four pars over a stretch of seven holes and finished it by sinking a birdie putt from eight feet on the second green in a sudden death playoff. Hughes will always cherish those memories.
Hughes said, “It was nice to relive these things.” It’s something you wish to experience more often. I want to play good golf to get back into that feeling. We all love to win tournaments and compete for trophies. “Yeah, I’m definitely motivated to recapture the feelings of last year.”
Mackenzie Hughes of Canada reacts on the 18th hole after winning the second playoff hole with Sepp Straka of Austria during the final round of The Sanderson Farms Championship held at The Country Club of Jackson in Jackson, Mississippi on October 02 2022. (Photo by Raj Mehta/Getty Images).
Hughes only has one other top-10 result this season and has had one top-30 since mid-May’s AT&T Byron Nelson.
A Canadian who has a lot to play for could turn his life around by returning to a course where he has previously succeeded.
Hughes said, “I have made some crucial shots under pressure and I’ve pulled them off.” You can always look back at those moments. In the same situation this week, if I look back at last year, or draw back on my first win, I know that I can make it work. That’s reassuring.”
Hughes shoots for Presidents Cup
Hughes is currently ranked 51 in the FedEx Cup Fall standings. If he can finish within the top 60 by mid-November, he will be eligible for both AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and Genesis Invitational. If Hughes, who is No. 51 in the FedEx Cup Fall Standings, can finish within the top 60 at the RSM Classic by mid-November and qualify for the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am as well as the Genesis Invitational.
If he qualifies to both events, it won’t make or break his year. It’s clear that playing in the Presidents Cup is a top priority for him.
Next year, the event will take place at the Royal Montreal Golf Club, Canada. The USA will face an international team excluding Europe. This happens every two years. Hughes, who is one of four Canadians on the PGA Tour to have won this season, has a chance at a place.
Hughes said that his main focus would be on not trying too hard. Justin Thomas hinted at this in the summer, when he didn’t feel like he was playing well. He wanted the Ryder Cup to the point that it felt like an obstacle to him. I am the same way, I want to win the Presidents Cup almost too much. It’s important to stay in control because while I want to be part of the team, it’s not a life and death situation. It would be a thrill of my career.
