Mackenzie Hughes had a special connection to the 13th hole at Hamilton Golf & Country Club this year, as it has been transformed into the “Rink” hole. The tee is surrounded by hockey boards on three sides, with goalie masks acting as tee markers and a Zamboni overlooking the green. This unique scene has become one of the most popular spots on the PGA Tour, providing entertainment to both players and spectators.
For Hughes, the “Rink” hole holds a special significance as a tribute to his late friend Bill Bath. He met Bath when he was just 11 years old while on vacation in Cuba and credits him with being a significant influence on his journey to becoming a professional golfer. To honor Bath, Hughes wore one of his friend’s hockey jerseys while playing the 13th hole, bringing back memories of their time together.
Despite facing two late bogeys, Hughes shot a second-round 64, his lowest score in the Canadian championship event. He achieved this feat with two eagles during his round, including one at the par-4 12th hole where he holed his approach shot from 79 yards and another at the par-5 fourth where he sank a 12-foot putt. These memorable moments shared with Bath and his family made this tournament even more emotional for him.
Reflecting on his performance, Hughes expressed his satisfaction with the result despite facing challenges towards the end of his round. He acknowledged the support of Bath’s wife and son who were in attendance to witness his play. This emotional significance added depth to Hughes’ play on the “Rink” hole and kept Bath’s memory alive throughout the competition.
In conclusion, Mackenzie Hughes had an unforgettable experience playing on the “Rink” hole at Hamilton Golf & Country Club this year. The unique transformation of this hole into a hockey rink brought entertainment to players and spectators alike while also providing an opportunity for Hughes to pay tribute to his late friend Bill Bath through his play on this special course.
