Hughes hoping lost clubs turn up

TSN Senior Reporter

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Mackenzie Hughes arrived in Detroit on Monday for this week’s PGA Tour stop, the Rocket Mortgage Classic. His golf clubs, however, did not.

As proof that professional golfers get no special privileges when it comes to air travel, Hughes is one of many who is trying to find his luggage after traveling by plane. Of the eight bags he and his family took with them to the Open Championship, just one has been returned to them – and that just by the luck of a stranger.

“As I’m sure lots of people know, it’s really frustrating,” said Hughes.

While his clothes and other personal items are one thing, losing his clubs – the tools of his trade – is another. His club company, PING, put together a replacement set for him, which he’ll use this week. But it’s just not quite the same.

“The clubs are one thing,” he said, “but I have a lot of things in my bag that I’d like to have back.”

That includes his trusty putter, which he’s had for the last 10 years. It’s one that’s allowed him to be one of the best putters in the world. Getting another of the same model and make just wouldn’t have the right feeling. 

Hughes’ troubles started after the Open when his family decided to spend four days in Dublin. They checked in for their departure flight in Edinburgh where the scene was chaotic, with lots of folks leaving after time at the year’s fourth major. Images on social media showed hundreds of golf bags piled up with no place to go.

When he arrived in Dublin, none of his bags were on the luggage carousel. Luckily, the family packed some spare clothing in the carry-on bags for just such a situation.

After putting his frustration out on social media with pictures of the lost luggage, Hughes was contacted by