Need for Speed
71-year-old Reed Hughes’ biggest adjustment to Tour life? The pace of play
The story of the week at the Sanderson Farms Championship is 71-year-old Reed Hughes. Hughes qualified for the event—his first PGA Tour appearance in over 17 years—with a surprise victory at the 2023 Gulf States Section championship, and held his own on Thursday, firing a four-over 76.
After his opening round, Hughes reflected on his surreal round with a grin wider than the wider than the Mississippi.
“This is unbelievable, I can’t believe I’m doing it,” he told reporters, “This is hard for me because I’m used to riding in a cart and playing in about three hours.”
Yes, you heard that right. The 71-year-old’s biggest adjustment to the modern PGA Tour isn’t the level of competition or the TV cameras. It's the pace of play.
“My round at home would have ended about no. 9,” Hughes continued. “So that would have been a good day.”
In fairness, walking and riding are totally different animals, as is playing for millions versus playing for fun, but against the backdrop of golf’s ongoing speed squabbles, Hughes’ remarks took on some added resonance. Whether you side with the tortoise or the hare, however, I think we can all agree that when 71-year-old is pushing you, it’s time to pick up the pace.