In an extraordinary twist of fate, 71-year-old Reed Hughes is back on the PGA Tour, nearly two decades since his last appearance. Hughes, a seasoned pro who first set foot on the American Tour a staggering 40 years ago in 1984, recently found himself teeing off at the Sanderson Farms Championship. His return comes after a long hiatus, his last taste of PGA competition being the Zurich Classic way back in 2007. This makes his current venture onto the greens a jaw-dropping comeback that has the golfing world buzzing.
Hughes earned his spot at the Country Club of Jackson by capturing victory in the Gulf States E-Z-GO Section Championship just last September, shooting an impressive 71-68. This triumph punched his ticket to the PGA Tour, marking his ninth appearance, and one that feels like a miraculous achievement in itself for a player his age.
Reflecting on that win, Hughes himself seemed in disbelief: “I didn’t have the yips all day like I normally do. I hit the ball really well. I missed like two greens all day. It’s never over until it’s over.” But now, as the 71-year-old battles it out with younger, faster, and sharper competitors, the question on everyone’s mind is: does Hughes still have what it takes to compete in today’s high-pressure tournaments?
His first round in Mississippi saw him shoot a 76. Not terrible, but also not the stuff of legend. And at 71, the toll is evident. Hughes doesn’t shy away from admitting it, saying, “It’s unbelievable I’m even doing this. It’s hard for me because I’m used to riding in a cart and playing in about three hours. My round would have ended at home about No. 9, so that would have been a good day.” Clearly, Hughes is feeling the weight of time, but his spirit remains unshaken. Still, is grit alone enough to keep up with the young guns who dominate the leaderboard?
While Hughes’ determination is undeniably inspiring, let’s be real—he’s not breaking records for the oldest golfer to ever tee off in a professional event. That title belongs to the legendary Gary Player, who, at 73, made his final appearance at the Masters in 2009. Player, a golfing titan with nine major wins under his belt, made his 52nd and last outing at Augusta that year, marking the end of an era. His first Masters appearance came at the tender age of 21, and throughout his illustrious career, Player collected two iconic Green Jackets, winning in 1974 and 1978.
What makes Gary Player’s story even more impressive is his devotion to physical fitness, which he credits for his longevity in the sport. He once told the media, “It is encouraging when you have exercised as hard as I have and watched my diet pretty well that I’m able to play 52 Masters. It’s a very encouraging thought.” Even at 73, his passion for the game remained undiminished, though his performance had understandably slowed. He missed the cut in 2009, marking the end of his professional career, but not before delivering some memorable parting words.
As he reflected on his 2008 Masters appearance, Player’s wit was as sharp as ever. “I stood on the tee last year when I was waiting to play and there was a bit of a hold-up, and I thought, damn it all, most of my friends at 72 are dead and I’m playing at the Masters? Most guys my age, 73, haven’t seen their knees, never mind their private parts, for seven years. There’s a lot of feeling going on. At least I can see where I am.” Player’s humor underscored his enduring passion, even as age slowly pulled him away from the game he had dominated for decades.
But let’s not get too carried away with the past. Right now, it’s Reed Hughes’ moment, and the spotlight is squarely on him. Despite being in the twilight of his career, Hughes is giving it all he’s got, putting his heart and soul into every swing. But the brutal truth is, age catches up to everyone, no matter how much grit or skill you have. Gary Player set an almost unbeatable bar at 73, and while Hughes’ return is nothing short of remarkable, the chances of him making the kind of waves Player once did are slim.
As Hughes continues his uphill battle in the Sanderson Farms Championship, the world watches with bated breath. Will this 71-year-old warrior manage to defy the odds once again? Can he inspire yet another wave of golfers in their golden years to chase after dreams long left behind? One thing is certain: whatever the outcome, Hughes has already proven that age is just a number—until the scoreboard tells a different story.
So, how will Reed Hughes fare as the championship unfolds? And with a colorful field of young, hungry players vying for victory, whom are you backing in this thrilling tournament where anything can happen?
