Dicky Pride started this season with limited access to starts, doing his best by writing letters for possible exemptions and going through Monday qualifiers. Two weeks ago in Georgia, Pride got into the field at the Mitsubishi Electric Classic … and won. Now he’s exempt, and can build his own schedule.
“I’m going in late to Des Moines (Principal Charity Classic) next week because I have something with my family in Arkansas, and going in late just doesn’t seem right. I feel like I need to leave on Sunday, and play a practice round for the qualifier … it’s a very hectic life. It’s exciting to have this opportunity.”
Pride’s victory at Mitsubishi made him a winner on the PGA Tour, PGA Tour Champions and Korn Ferry. It was the first time his daughter and son, 21 and 19, really got to see – and understand – their father winning an event. Pride had his whole family out for this week’s KitchenAid Senior PGA, and though he was tired, he played pretty solidly.
Being a winner and having status week to week might be something that will take time to get used to. With a smile, Pride said, “It doesn’t seem real. I’m the guy, if I got to the Pearly Gates, St. Peter would be there and tell me, ‘All right, you’re first alternate. Did you send a letter?’”
