Mackenzie Hughes of Canada made an eight-foot birdie putt on the second playoff hole to upset Sepp Straka of Austria and win the PGA Sanderson Farms Championship on Sunday.
The 31-year-old from Hamilton won his second PGA championship when he and Straka completed 72 holes at The Country Club of Jackson in Mississippi at 17-under par.
Hughes stated, “It defies description.” “I’ve been working so hard, putting in some hours. It simply feels wonderful.
“It is the coolest sensation ever. We win so infrequently that when we do, it’s a very remarkable occasion.”
Hughes, ranked 82nd in the world, won his lone previous PGA championship in the 2016 RSM Classic, prevailing in a five-man playoff with a par on the third extra hole.
Hughes stated, “It definitely tastes a bit sweeter than the first one.” “I was struggling desperately to remain in it. Somehow, I was able to prevail.”
It was exciting to end a title drought of six years.
Hughes stated, “This is the substance that makes you feel alive.” “It’s a feeling you crave and want more of — it will motivate me to work hard.”
Hughes saved two pars on the 18th hole to give himself a shot at the winning putt.
Hughes was well left off the tee and over the green on the 18th hole, but he made a par putt from 35 yards to within four feet of the hole to force a playoff.
Straka shot a five-under 67 while Hughes recorded a 69 in regulation.
Straka had a 20-foot birdie putt on the first hole of the playoff, while Hughes was in a bunker. Hughes drove the ball to within five feet, Straka missed his putt, and both players tapped in to extend the game.
“I was just trying to will the ball into the hole during those par saves down the stretch,” Hughes said. “This determination and tenacity somewhat characterizes my play. Certainly, the second one felt more challenging than the first.”
Again, they played 18 holes, and this time both Hughes and Straka made birdie putts. Straka missed from the sideline, giving Hughes an eight-foot shot to win the game. Hughes rolled in the putt and celebrated by pumping his right fist.
“Probably some degree of relief. It has been some time, “Hughes described his feelings at the time. “I’ve had several narrow escapes. Despite the fact that being in second place is still a tremendous accomplishment, it can be a bit frustrating when you are so close to the winner.
I simply could not accept that today.
Straka, ranked 36th, earned his maiden PGA championship in February at the Honda Classic and nearly won his second in August at the St. Jude Championship before falling in a playoff to Will Zalatoris.
“Make solid putts. I gave myself opportunities. Unfortunately, I was unable to convert, “Straka stated. “I played excellent golf on a difficult Sunday. It’s encouraging to know that my game is in fantastic shape.”
After a final-round 68, South African Garrick Higgo finished third at 272, one stroke ahead of compatriot Dean Burmester.
Mark Hubbard, the 54-hole leader chasing his first PGA championship, had a 74 to tie for fifth place with Nick Hardy, Keegan Bradley, and Emilio Grillo of Argentina.
AFP