Golf fans are accustomed to witnessing remarkable shots and close finishes that make for compelling stories. However, some inspiring stories come off the course, too. These stories of perseverance, grit, and second chances remind the community why the sport resonates far beyond the greens. Dayton Price’s journey is one such story.

Dayton was an AAA hockey player before turning to golf. But that’s not the second shot in his life. His second shot is a journey of recovery from a vehicle accident, followed by his pursuit of a sponsor exemption for the 2026 KIA Open. But he was not alone on this journey; Ryan French helped him secure the sponsor exemption. French shared an X post on his handle, Monday Q Info, sharing the story of Price and asking for a sponsor exemption. “Dayton wants to test his game next summer to see if he should turn pro or wait. A sponsor exemption would be a huge gift for this kid. Let’s make it happen. I’ll come live and cover the event and his rounds,” he wrote on his X post.

Now, French has shared an update on the same, saying he has found the sponsor for Price. “I said someone should give him an exemption. Today @ProGolfEc did. Dayton Price is going to play in the 2026 KIA Open on the @PGATOURAmericas,” he wrote, sharing the update.

Dayton Price had been in an accident in 2022. He, along with the University of the Southwest golf team and their coach, was traveling in a van back to the campus after an event. They were 30 minutes into their 90-minute return ride when a white Ram 2500 truck collided head-on with their van. The van was set on fire, which took the lives of 7 people, six team members and the coach. Price suffered severe 3rd and 4th degree burns to over 44% of his body, which resulted in 86 days in the hospital. But after all the sufferings, he returned to the game he loved.

His first round back was at Whistle Bear. During this round, he even scored a birdie, which he calls “the best birdie of my life.” He then attended the Canadian Open, where he watched Rory McIlroy win. “When I watched Rory win, I knew I wanted to be out there,” Price said. And now, his dreams can come true, thanks to French.

On French’s X post requesting sponsorship, there was a comment from Juan David Bernal S, who wrote, “I think we can help you. @ProGolfEc It’s an inspiring story for the Kia Open PGA Tour Americas in Quito. We have the possibility of inviting him. Please contact me DM.” And on the next day, French shared the post announcing the good news.

As the news came out, many fans reacted to Price’s story. What began as a simple call for support turned into a heartfelt celebration of resilience and community.

Fans shower love on Ryan French for supporting Dayton Price’s journey

Once the news of Dayton Price’s exemption broke, social media lit up with messages of joy and appreciation. These messages were not only for Price’s perseverance but also for French, who helped his story reach the right people.

Supporters flooded the comments under Monday Q Info’s post, with one fan writing, “This! This is why we put up with all the grammatical errors and misspellings. Great work, Ryan!” It is just a lighthearted nod. But the meaning behind this speaks volumes about the importance of such stories that connect the right people.

Some fans also appreciated French’s good work. One user wrote, “You’re a good man, Ryan!!” while another added, “Just you sanding drywall and changing lives 💕.” This goes on to show that people with reach can and should try to do good for others.

Reflecting on something similar, some fans gave a philosophical angle to the story. Highlighting that good deeds never go unnoticed, a user commented, “Good things happen to good people, Q. Been telling you this for years… 💚” Echoing a similar, deeper sentiment, another wrote, “Great stuff as always @acaseofthegolf1 #changetheworld.” These comments help recognize that genuine kindness still makes an enormous difference in people’s lives.

The comments reflected more than just excitement. They showcased the heart of golf’s online community. Fans were celebrating humanity, empathy, and the rare times when good news travels fast for all the right reasons.