Mackenzie Hughes used an outdated but functional method to get Arnold Palmer exemption
ORLANDO – Rafael Campos wrote a heartfelt letter that netted him a sponsor's exemption into the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
What did Mackenzie Hughes do?
He made a phone call to Drew Donovan, the tournament director.
'I didn't plead my case but just said what it would mean to me and that I would help him in any way that I could help him for the tournament,' Hughes said. 'He said it's not commonplace to get calls like that. I've never requested an exemption before. I would've thought that's the only way to do it. It probably doesn't feel as genuine if it comes from an agent.'
Hughes finished No. 51 in the FedEx Cup standings and missed being exempt into all eight signature events by one spot. He was exempt into the first two signature events via finishing in the next 10 of the FedEx Cup Fall.
Hughes shot rounds of 73-70 in the first two rounds of the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Lodge & Club.
The final group on Saturday will consist of Shane Lowry – solo lead at 8 under – and Wyndham Clark, who was absolved of any penalty after he took relief during his Friday round. Clark is two back, while Corey Conners and Collin Morikawa are tied for third at 5 under. Rory McIlroy is tied with Russell Henley and Jason Day for fifth at 4 under. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is tied with Hughes for 12th at 1 under.
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