JACKSON, Miss. – Was Mark Hubbard expecting to compete at this week’s Sanderson Farms Championship in Jackson, Miss. After a third round 65 at Country Club Jackson, Hubbard stated that he did not anticipate competing in this week’s Sanderson Farms Championship. He was leading Mackenzie Hughes by one stroke into Sunday. Hubbard accidentally dropped a knife from the kitchen counter while he was at home in Houston last week and inadvertently cut his toe. This was not the best preparation for the three-week competition stretch. Hubbard stated that “I had a hole through my foot the whole week and I didn’t have time to practice at all last weekend.” To be fair, Hubbard admitted that he was coming to Vegas to prepare for the Shriners Children’s Open. I think it has to do the low expectations. However, I feel incredible about my game the past six, seven months so I’m trying to just go with it and keep the expectations low and just hit good shots.” Hubbard has posted rounds of 67, 69, 65 in Mississippi for a total of 15-under. Mackenzie Hughes, a San Jose State alumnus, will be the final pairing. This friendship dates back almost a decade to PGA TOUR Canada. Hughes was the birdie partner of Hubbard at 18, for a third round 68. Hughes beat Hubbard by two strokes on Sunday. Both went on to win the Korn Ferry Tour, and then the PGA TOUR. In spite of the many competitive rounds that are contested every season, final-round pairings can be a constant reminder in your brain. Even nearly 50 years ago. Hughes stated Saturday that Hughes had “taken the best of me back then.” “I hope that I can get that back to even today. It’ll be great fun with someone I feel comfortable with. He’s a great guy and easy to get along. It’ll be a good day. I don’t think either one of us would be hostile towards the other if they win or me win, or whatever the case may have been. We’ll have fun tomorrow and, whatever happens, we will still be friends the day after.” Professional golf is an evolving sport. Players from different career paths come together at certain moments to create lasting memories. The final round contention is where some of the most memorable. Both of them have won on the PGA TOUR Canada as well as the Korn Ferry Tour. Hughes was a PGA TOUR Winner at The RSM Classic 2016, where he won a five-way playoff. The match ended Monday morning. Hubbard still chases his first TOUR title. Hubbard was surprised to find himself in Mississippi. He’s grateful that his toe injury didn’t get worse and that he was still able to play. Hughes enjoyed a restful week at home in Charlotte with his mom. They did some sightseeing around the city and he felt refreshed for this week. Both players know from experience that weeks in contention can be a challenge. They will relish Sunday’s chance to chase the Reveille-the-Rooster trophy. It was a matter-of-time, and it felt like it had been trending towards a week like that,” Hughes said. Hubbard said, “It’s amazing to have this opportunity tomorrow. It feels like a gift. The chasers aren’t going to make it easy. Scott Stallings is one of three chasers at 12 below. He was the 2012 Sanderson Farms winner and was playing at Annandale GC. This comes after a TOUR Championship appearance. TOUR winners Garrick Higgo, Sepp Straka and Sepp Straka are also three strokes behind the pace. Straka celebrated the 30th birthday of his wife Paige Friday night at a local restaurant. Since 2004, Fred Funk, then 48 years old, won the Sanderson Farms Championship. He went on to win the PLAYERS Championship’s oldest prize. As a rookie on the TOUR, Sahith Theegala was the 54-hole leader. He finished T8 and eventually advanced to the TOUR Championship. Sam Burns won the title to ignite a three-win season that saw him rise into the top 15. Cameron Young was runner-up in Canada as a rookie, and went on to win the TOUR Championship. Hughes won his first TOUR sanctioned title at Cape Breton Celtic Classic, a week after finishing second to Hubbard in Canada. Whatever the winner of Sunday’s trophy, both players will be able to gain an extra boost for the coming season. Hubbard, in his Saturday presser on Saturday, thought about Ryan Brehm, his friend and winner of the Puerto Rico Open last season. He won it with only a start that included a medical extension. Brehm had to win in order to keep his TOUR status. A runner-up would not do. It was a rare scenario to say the least. Brehm won the title by six strokes. He also earned his first TOUR title, and is fully exempt through 2024. Hubbard stated that Ryan Brehm’s win in Puerto Rico was the most inspirational thing he had ever seen. “We were so excited that we missed our flight on the next day. It was so cool. He could have one more start, or he would return to Korn Ferry Tour. And he wins. Hubbard’s 54-hole lead was a huge inspiration.
By: Kevin Prise
Title: Mark Hubbard, Mackenzie Hughes set for familiar final pairing at Sanderson Farms
Sourced From: www.pgatour.com/news/2022/10/01/mark-hubbard-mackenzie-hughes-set-for-familiar-final-pairing-sanderson-farms-championship-jackson-kevin-prise.html
Published Date: Sat, 01 Oct 2022 13:00:00 -0400
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