October 4th 2024.
This week, golf fans were pleasantly surprised to see 71-year-old Reed Hughes competing in the Sanderson Farms Championship. He made history by becoming the oldest golfer to participate in a PGA Tour event since the legendary Gary Player in 2009. Hughes earned his spot in the 132-man field after winning the Gulf States E-Z-GO Section Championship last year, a remarkable achievement that has captured the attention of the golfing world.
This is not Hughes' first time on the PGA Tour. He has previously played in eight events, with his most recent appearance being at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans back in 2007. However, his journey in professional golf actually began way back in 1984 when he made his debut at the Danny Thomas Memphis Classic. Interestingly, that was 12 years before the current World No.1 Scottie Scheffler was even born.
Despite his age, Hughes was determined to make an impact at the Sanderson Farms Championship. He may have missed the cut after shooting a 76 and 78 in the first two rounds, but he still managed to make five birdies and put up a good fight. As a golf instructor at the Grenada Golf and Racquet Club in Mississippi, Hughes hopes that his perseverance and passion for the game will inspire golfers of all ages to continue playing.
In an interview with Golf Channel, Hughes expressed his gratitude for the support he received from his fans. He said, "I've got a lot of people pulling for me. That's the biggest thing. I hope I keep inspiring them to keep playing. Golf is something you can play for your whole lifetime. It's been a fun journey, and I'm touched by all the well wishes from my students."
Reflecting on his performance, Hughes admitted that the biggest challenge for him was adjusting to the pace of play. He is used to playing 18 holes in three hours with the help of a golf cart, but in professional tournaments, players have to walk and maintain a steady pace. Despite the nerve-wracking experience, Hughes described his journey as "pretty special" and "unbelievable."
All in all, Hughes' participation in the Sanderson Farms Championship may have ended early, but his determination and passion for the game have left a lasting impression on golf fans everywhere. As he continues to inspire others to pursue their love for golf, Hughes hopes that more people will see that age is just a number when it comes to playing the game.
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