Dayton Price Overcomes Tragedy to Claim Ontario Golf Title

Dayton Price, a first-year golfer with the Laurier Golden Hawks, has made a remarkable comeback from personal tragedy to triumph by winning the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) individual golf championship. His journey, marked by resilience, reflects both his dedication to the sport and a promise to his lost friends.

Price, 23, has a tattoo on his left forearm that reads: “I do not fear tomorrow. Today has been enough. Until we meet again.” This ink serves as a tribute to his experience following a devastating car crash in March 2022, which claimed the lives of nine people, including six members of the University of the Southwest golf teams and their coach, Tyler James.

A Devastating Incident

The tragic accident occurred when a Ford passenger van transporting the university’s golf teams collided head-on with a Dodge pickup truck on a Texas highway. Investigators later determined that the pickup driver, who had methamphetamine and marijuana in his system, was responsible for the crash. Both he and his 13-year-old son died in the incident.

Price and his teammate Hayden Underhill were the only survivors. Price sustained severe injuries, including burns covering half of his body, a broken hand, and fractured facial bones. Initially, doctors warned his family that amputation might be necessary, but a medical team successfully employed an innovative grafting technique to save his legs. “Miracle,” Price described his recovery.

From Recovery to Competition

After spending three months in a Lubbock hospital and undergoing 27 surgeries, Price returned home to Ontario. He faced extensive rehabilitation, enduring eight months of intense pain while relearning basic movements, including how to walk and swing a golf club.

In June 2022, shortly after his return, Price attended the RBC Canadian Open as a VIP guest. Inspired by the event, he began practicing again, eventually playing two holes at Whistle Bear Golf Club. “I made birdie on one after driving the ball about 120 yards,” he recalled, recognizing this moment as a pivotal step on his journey back to the sport.

Fast forward to now, Price recently claimed the OUA individual championship at the Oshawa Golf & Country Club, achieving scores of 70 and 68 at the par-72 course, leading the Golden Hawks to their first team title since 2019. “Dayton’s individual championship win highlights his incredible perseverance and the relentless effort he’s put into his game,” said Laurier head coach Jeff Colley.

In addition to his recent success, Price was also recognized as the OUA athlete of the week, further solidifying his status as a rising star in collegiate golf.

Looking Ahead

Price’s competitive spirit continues to thrive as he prepares for upcoming challenges, including a tournament in Ecuador next April, facilitated by teammate Liam Schweitzer. This opportunity arose after Price achieved a tournament-best score of 8-under par 63 at the Ambassador Golf Club, winning the Windsor Invitational.

“Dayton deserves every bit of this,” said Schweitzer. “He’s an incredible guy, an incredible player.” Price maintains close ties with the families of his lost teammates, sharing that their support has been invaluable in his healing process. He has visited the memorial site where the crash occurred and participates in tournaments held in their honor.

Price often reflects on those he lost, stating, “When I started playing golf again, I’d stop and remember what I’d been through, and who I was playing for.” He aims to keep their memories alive, hoping others will find inspiration in his story and perhaps contribute to their memorial foundations.

As he looks to the future, Price remains focused on his goals, including completing his communication studies and competing at the U Sports national championship in June. “The dream’s still to play on the PGA Tour,” he affirmed. “Whatever way I get there, that’s the way I get there.”

Dayton Price’s journey exemplifies resilience and determination, showcasing not only his talent as a golfer but also his commitment to honoring the memory of those lost. His story serves as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.