Mark Hubbard is trying to give those close to him a distraction this week.
Hubbard has close to 20 peo.ple staying with him at The American Express after the Southern California wildfires destroyed the homes of friends and family
We’ve had a rough go,” Hubbard said on Friday after a second-round 64. “I think it’s a nice escape to be out there and not thinking about other stuff. It feels kind of like a little oasis out there right now. Also, I mean, selfishly, it’s been horrible for them, but I’m getting to see a ton of them more than I would normally, so it’s been just great to see them and to try and be there for them.”
Hubbard, 35, lives in Texas, although most of his extended family resides in the greater Los Angeles area. According to the PGA Tour’s Paul Hodowanic, Mark’s brother Nathan—a businessman who also cohosts The Ringer’s golf podcast—was one of those affected.
Hubbard, one of the most well-liked players on tour thanks to his laidback demeanor, is coming off a career breakout campaign, posting three top-five finishes in 2024 and finishing 22nd in strokes gained. Friday’s 64, followed by Saturday’s 69 at La Quinta Country Club, has him contending at five shots off the lead of Sepp Straka. Still, he admitted golf is secondary at the moment.
“It’s been super weird. I’m actually moving right now to a new house and that should be exciting and with everything going on it feels weird and almost bad being excited for that, because there’s just been so much loss and heart break with everyone, and with people close to me,” Hubbard said. “It’s been tough, but like anything else it puts stuff in perspective and it definitely makes it easier to realize that this is just a dumb game and none of this really matters at all.
