Dillard Pruitt Experience: 1981-84 Sport: Golf

Dillard Pruitt was a key part of Clemson's rise to prominence in golf in the 1980s, as he starred with the Tigers in 1981-84. His leadership helped Clemson win its first ACC Championship in 1982.

"My fondest memory at Clemson was winning the ACC Championship in '82," recalls Pruitt. "It was the first ACC Golf Championship for Clemson and whenever you are a part of the first championship team, it is special."

Among Pruitt's marks that he set include being the first Clemson three-time golf All-American and All-ACC performer. His 71.94 stroke average in 1984 still stands today as the third best single-season scoring average in Clemson history. Also, his 73.44 career stroke average is seventh best in the Tiger record books.

In his freshman season, Pruitt had a teammate named Larry Penley. Three years later Penley became the Tiger golf coach and has led Clemson to 15 straight NCAA Tournament appearances in 15 seasons. "Dillard will never admit it, but he is the sole reason Clemson golf was put over the top," says Penley. "Dillard has helped Clemson attain success in the last 10 years because of what he did back in the 80s. He was very visible on the (PGA) tour and has made Clemson an easy sell."

Pruitt's start in professional golf started in odd fashion. "It took me a while to get my (PGA) card, probably longer than it takes many guys out of college," Pruitt said. "The key for me was going to Europe. In 1986 and 1987, I played well over there because I just didn't feel the pressure. When I had a bad round in Europe, I didn't worry about it. I figured no one was going to find out. As a result, I learned to relax and be confident."

Three years later back in the states his hard work overseas paid off. He became the first Tiger to win a PGA tour event, as he captured the 1991 Chattanooga Classic championship. His winnings for the weekend totaled $126,000. He also finished 13th in the 1992 Masters, where it was his life-long dream to play, and ranked second on the tour in driving accuracy in 1993. The 1993 season saw Pruitt make 20 of 26 cuts as well.

His down to earth attitude towards his attention-filled sport in his seven years on the tour never got in the way of how he viewed his peers. "Playing with people like Jay Haas and Curtis Strange was memorable." Pruitt said. "But playing in a group with Arnold Palmer for the first time has to be one of the greatest golf experiences of my life." That statement came in the late summer of '92 after a Wednesday practice round for the PGA Championship.

Haas and Pruitt have a connection deeper than just golf, as the two are brother-in-laws. Pruitt's sister, Jan, is married to Haas and helped to give Pruitt an insightful look at the life of a PGA professional. He also is fond of his wife, Fran, who graduated from Clemson.

Pruitt still keeps in contact with Clemson Athletic Director Bobby Robinson, who was head coach his first three years at Clemson. "Dillard was a tremendous player in the three years I coached him," recalls Robinson. "He was instrumental in the 1982 ACC Championship run, which was Clemson's first. Dillard will go down as one of the all-time greats in Clemson golf history."