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Its been a long wait for Mackenzie Hughes but in just a couple of weeks, hell finally kick off his 2014 season on the Web. Ricky Jean-Francois Colts Jersey .Com Tour. The former Canadian Amateur champion, who made his rookie year as a professional a memorable one, has had a long wait to get back on the course and after last season, hes anxious to play. "Its funny that my season really ended in September," he said, noting the end of the PGA Tour Canada schedule. "That was so long ago and Ive had so much time to think about it." Whats probably crossed his mind from time to time has been his great campaign of 2013, where he went from having no status and minimal financial backing to winning the Order of Merit on PGA Tour Canada, which gave him an exemption onto the Web.Com Tour. It was certainly a whirlwind season but one the product of Dundas, Ont., never doubted he could make. After playing for Canada at the World Team Amateur Championship, Hughes turned pro, moved to Charlotte, N.C., and ventured out into the world of mini-tours. "I dont like mini-tours so much," he chuckled. "Youre not playing for a lot of money and its definitely not glamourous." However, thats about all Hughes had at that point. And he did learn a thing or two about life as a professional, which was a definite change from his amateur and college days. "You have to learn on your own pretty quickly," he said. "Youre really on your own." One thing that didnt change, however, was his talent. It didnt take him long to parlay a couple of PGA Tour Canada starts into a regular gig. And, in June, after going through the qualifying and winning a playoff, he made it into the U.S. Open. Although he didnt make the cut at Merion, it was an eye-opening experience. "It showed me that Im not that far off, that I can play at that level," he stated. "And it helped me when I got back to PGA Tour Canada." After missing the cut in his first three stops, Hughes rolled off four top-10 finishes in his next five events. That included a runner-up finish at the Wildfire Invitational and a victory at the Cape Breton Celtic Classic. His success on the course also helped him off it. When he first turned pro, Hughes attempted to find sponsors, even coming up with a plan to sell shares of himself. That didnt work out and in the early going, things were tight. This year, hes signed on with SportBox Entertainment Group, the new Canadian agency thats headed up by former IMGer Danny Fritz and includes as clients Mike Weir, Graham DeLaet and David Hearn. Hes found some stability with sponsorships from Ping and Freedom 55 Financial, but says hes a long way from being on easy street. "Its better for sure, but at the same time, Im going to spend a lot more money this year," Hughes pointed out. "Ill be paying for caddies, more travel, more of everything really. It adds up pretty quick. But if I play well, its not an issue." In addition to learning how to balance his chequebook, Hughes is learning the ropes of another new tour, this one a step up on the competitive scale. The long layoff has made it possible for him to glean lots of information about playing the Web.com Tour, but that has an upside and downside. "Ive talked to a million different people about it," Hughes said. "Ive maybe got too much advice. Im really just trying to figure out whats best for me." He has sought out help from those whove gone before him and hes hoping to play practice rounds with fellow Canadians Roger Sloan and Adam Hadwin to not only learn about courses, but also life on tour. He will also likely join up with another Canadian rookie, Albin Choi to share expenses and experiences. "Im more excited than nervous," Hughes admitted. "I want to test my game against the next level and see where I am." Hughes will get that opportunity when the Tour gets underway Feb. 13 in Bogota, Colombia.T.Y. Hilton Womens Jersey .com) - The Edmonton Oilers have made Nail Yakupov a healthy scratch for the second straight game for tonights game against the Washington Capitals. Mike Adams Jersey . Bouchards high stick hit Blue Jackets winger Matt Calvert in the face following a faceoff in the Wilds 4-2 season-opening victory over Columbus. Calvert lost teeth and needed stitches on his lip but returned and got an assist in the third period.LONDON, England - Arsenal kept up the pace in the race for the Premier League title with a 1-0 away win over archrival Tottenham on Sunday. On the ground where they last won the title, the Gunners took full advantage of leader Chelseas loss to Aston Villa on Saturday to close the gap to the leader. "It was a must-win game. We maintained the focus to not make the mistake that would cost us," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said. He watched his side take the lead inside two minutes when midfielder Tomas Rosicky rifled in an unstoppable shot from the edge of the area. Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain should have doubled the visitors lead in the 15th when he raced clear on goal, but his attempted lob sailed well wide of goal of goalkeeper Hugo Lloris goal. Another swift counterattack by Arsenal eventually saw Oliver Giroud square the ball across goal in the 26th, but Oxlade-Chamberlains shot deflected wide. Tottenhams striker Emmanuel Adebayor was unable to divert his shot inside the far post following a right-wing cross from Townsend shortly before the half-hour mark. Oxlade-Chamberlain blazed high over the bar from the edge of the penalty area,, after Rosicky had rolled the ball into his path, having robbed Danny Rose in the 41st. Johnny Unitas Colts Jersey. The hosts started the second half with real purpose, and should have equalized in the 46th through Nacer Chadli. However, he failed to convert from close range after goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny fumbled the ball in the area. Spurs continued to press forward and Chadli missed another opportunity in the 52nd. The Belgian international attempted an extravagant flick deep inside the penalty area following Andros Townsends right-wing cross. "Tottenham played very well. We had an early lead and we were juggling between protecting the lead and finishing the game off," Wenger said. That win lifts the Gunners into third place on 62 points, four adrift of league leader Chelsea, which it faces next Saturday. "Its a great result for us," Rosicky said. "I think it is a great race for the fans and for us the players. As Ive said many times, I think it will be until the last game of the season." Tottenham remains in fifth place, seven points adrift of the final Champions League berth with eight games remaining. cheap jerseys cheap jerseys from china ' ' ' |
