Hit 'Em Straight
Rico Hoey called his parents after earning his PGA Tour card and they couldn’t talk because they were out playing
After six long years of professional golf without making the big dance, the wait is finally over for Rico Hoey. This week, Hoey won the Visit Knoxville Open, punching his ticket to the PGA Tour in the process. If you still haven’t seen his reaction when he clinched the tournament, not mention his first-ever PGA Tour card, you absolutely should.
But arguably the best moment came after Hoey sunk his final putt and (temporarily) wiped away the tears. That’s when he FaceTimed his parents to give them news. They shared a brief celebration before Hoey hung up with a “hit ‘em straight.” The entire interaction lasted all of 20 seconds. Looking at the camera, he explained why the call was so short:
“They’re playing.”
Apparently the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. We have no idea how Hoey’s big news affected his parents' round. It’s tough to stand over a four-foot tester when your legs are still shaking with excitement. But even if the Hoeys double bogeyed their way back to clubhouse, it still would have been worth it. Their son is now a PGA Tour pro. As any parent will tell you, that sure as hell beats breaking 80.