It was September 2004. Mackenzie Hughes, the size of three apples, was 13 years old. The little guy was volunteering at the Canadian Open, which was held in Oakville, 30 minutes from his childhood home in Hamilton. A draw would somehow determine his career path.
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Which little boy at this age knows with certainty what job he wants to do when he grows up?
In the volunteer tent, Hughes waited to find out which group of young amateur golfers he would drag around the course in practice rounds all day. When he found out he would be carrying one of Mike Weir’s group, last year’s Masters tournament winner at Augusta, he couldn’t believe his ears. Joy immediately overwhelmed him.
“It was a unique opportunity. Mike had become a celebrity, a rock star. I had to try to save as much information as possible. “I was on a mission, so to speak,” he said with a smile on his face as the Journal reminded him of this youthful feat of arms at a news conference in Mississippi.
“I remember not being too worried about my golf bag, just trying to listen to Mike, who wasn’t far away. I also asked him questions. “It was an incredible and unforgettable day,” added the now 32-year-old Canadian.
Lessons from the great champion
That evening, the teenager who had already loved the little white ball knew he would become a professional golfer. Without knowing it, the diminutive left-hander with the prestigious green had taught him the qualities needed to be successful.
Canadian golfer Mike Weir receives Tiger Woods’ green jacket after winning the Masters tournament in Augusta in April 2003. Archive photo
“Mike had already had a big influence on me, but watching him prepare that day, walking and interacting with the fans, I was sold on the whole experience. When I was older, I knew what I wanted to do.”
Less than ten years later, Hughes landed in the pros after a stint with the Kent State Golden Flashes. And since 2013, he has two victories on the PGA Tour.
Twenty years after that memorable day in Oakville, “Mac” was able to achieve another of his dreams: that of playing under the command of the man who convinced him to pursue a career in the sport.
The Canadian is keen to take part in the Presidents Cup tournament at the Royal Montreal Golf Club next year. He knows that this opportunity is not in vain. He has to earn it and earn it. It’s not because his name is plastered over the maple leaf flag that he’s going home with a head start.
A pace to accelerate
Weir, the captain of the international team that will face the Americans in this biennial competition, knows full well that Canadian golf is doing well. However, since his appointment he has insisted his players must earn their place.
Corey Conners, Adam Hadwin, Taylor Pendrith and Nick Taylor are also targeting a place in the 12-man squad, either through the qualification process or captain’s selection.
Canadians Taylor Pendrith and Corey Conners competed at the Presidents Cup in Quail Hollow, North Carolina in September 2022. AFP
In the last edition of the tournament, held in his Quail Hollow backyard in Charlotte, North Carolina, in September 2022, Hughes was not selected for the international squad. An affront that he avenged two weeks later by recording his second victory on the PGA Tour.
This week he defends that title at the Sanderson Farms Classic in California and is looking to start the season strong. Once the pace is achieved, he will want to maintain it to gain valuable points in the Presidents Cup qualifying standings.
“If someone had told me 20 years ago that I could play this tournament in Canada for Mike, it would have been an incredible story,” he said. There is still a lot to do until September next year.
“I am determined to do everything in my power to be part of this team in Montreal.”
The little guy, who was 13 years old, would be very proud.