Mackenzie Hughes was motivated to win the Sanderson Farms Championship.
He sat at home in Charlotte, North Carolina last week as the Presidents Cup was taking place at Quail Hollow club across town. Hughes, a 31-year-old Canadian, was unable to make it on the International team so he had to watch the game from home. He wanted to do everything possible to be a part of the team in Montreal 2024 when the competition is back.
He is off to a great beginning.
Hughes defeated Sepp Straka in the second playoff hole at The Country Club Jackson in Jackson, Mississippi to win the 2022 Sanderson Farms Champion. Hughes’ second career victory is this one, having last won the RSM Classic in 2016. Both Hughes’ Tour victories came in playoffs.
Hughes stated, “I’m beyond thrilled.” Hughes said, “I had moments today when I was tested but was able to pull through. It’s a bit of my MO, scramble and save some Pars. Today, I had to do it a bit on the back nine. Yes, I did everything possible, but it wasn’t enough.
Hughes made an 8-foot birdie putt on Hughes’ second playoff hole. This secured the win and gave Hughes a big fist pump when the ball fell in the cup.
Hughes stated, “Winning gives one a lot more confidence.” It validates all the hard work I have put in. It’s really difficult to win. This is something that gets repeated a lot. However, I have been very close to winning the first one over the past five years. It’s the best feeling in the entire world to finally win the second one.
After finishing at 17 under, the duo advanced to a playoff. Straka finished the round at 5-under 67. Straka made birdies on four holes of his front nine, as well as on five of his last five. Hughes finished with a score of 3-under 69. Hughes was still alive after eight holes, recording three birdies and none bogeys during his final 10 holes.
Straka found the green on the first playoff hole while Hughes’ ball was caught in a bunker just short of the green. Straka was able to move from the sand and his birdie fell just to the right.
Both players found the fairway on the second playoff hole. Hughes, however, kept his approach tight. Straka’s approach was a little too long and left of the front hole location. He settled on the fringe. Hughes was able to win the victory with a putt that barely missed the cup.
Straka stated, “Obviously wanted the win, disappointed with that.” “But I played really good today. I shot 67 on Sunday and came back to win and get in the playoff. Mac played great, birdieing 18. 18 is not an easy hole. Yes, I’m happy for him and look forward to more.
Hughes made a crucial par putt on 16th hole to stay at 17 under. Straka missed a birdie on the 18th hole. Hughes missed a birdie on the 17th hole, and he got up and down to par on 18 for the playoff.
It is Straka’s second loss in playoffs in the last three months, and his fourth start.
Straka stated, “Just more experience getting myself into the hunt.” I think that’s huge. It’s the type of experience you can never buy. The goal is always to have a chance on Sunday afternoon at the start of each week. I was able to give myself that chance. It didn’t go as planned, but it will next time.
Rookie Dean Burmester finished fourth with a 5-under 67. At 8 under, Sam Burns, the defending champion, was tied for 30th.
Hughes holds the Sanderson Farms Championship, which could signal Hughes’ entry into the 2024 Presidents Cup.
“Honestly, it’s probably a bit of relief. Hughes stated that it’s been quite a while. “I’ve been to some very close calls. It’s great to finish second, but it can be a little painful when you are that close. It was just not something I was going to accept today.
“Somehow, I was able to pull through and it certainly feels a lot sweeter than the previous one.”
By: Cameron Jourdan
Title: Mackenzie Hughes beats Sepp Straka on second playoff hole to win Sanderson Farms Championship, earn second PGA Tour win
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2022/10/02/sanderson-farms-championship-final-round-leaderboard-mackenzie-hughes-sepp-straka/
Published Date: Sun, 02 Oct 2022 23:39:19 +0000
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