My ‘Big Break 'V' Experience

Early On

Two years ago, my dad called me to let me know of an ad in the paper regarding The Golf Channel and a new show called The Big Break: Ladies Only. He thought I should check it out to see if I’d be interested. After downloading, filling out, and sending off the (to put it out lightly) long application, I received a phone call to come to L.A. where auditions were being held. So, a few weeks later I flew down to hit a few shots and interview for a spot on the show. Much to my disappointment I found “the email” that you don’t want about a month later in my inbox, saying, “Thanks, but no thanks”. I wasn’t what they were looking for. So I curled my tail between my legs, and walked away from the possibility that I could finally get my “big break”.

Months later, a friend of mine contacted me to let me know about the next ladies show that they were to be filming. I told him that I wasn’t interested in being told I wasn’t good enough the second time around. I didn’t want to be hopeful just to be disappointed again. He said, “If you don’t do it for you, do it for your friends and family that know you should have been on it the first time around.”

So, without anybody knowing, I dove into the process again. A few weeks later, while I was picking the range at the Oregon Golf Club, I got the phone call to come to L.A. and audition. Again I flew down and again I hit the shots and interviewed on camera.

Weeks passed and I heard nothing from the Golf Channel. After a few attempts at calling to find out the final cast, I received an email, only this one was different than the one from the past. It wasn’t a mass email, it was much more personal and comforting. It felt different. For some reason I kept my fingers crossed that what I was feeling meant something.

Well, a few days later, while attempting to sell a porcelain rooster (possibly a thanksgiving centerpiece) to a neighbor during a garage sale I promised my parents that I would put on, my phone rang. The Call
407 - that's an Orlando area code!? What is going on? "Hello?" I answered."Julie? It's Regan from The Golf Channel""Hey!" I replied curiously."We have a situation", Reagan said nervously."When do you need me there?" I asked."How soon can you be on a plane?" she replied.
My heart dropped - here I was in the midst of a garage sale, my husband on his way to get lunch at the local burger joint, and I had to suddenly get myself home, packed, and to the airport as quickly as possible.

I was told to pack two weeks worth of golf clothes that didn't have manufacturer’s logos on them. My first thought? I didn't own two weeks worth of any kind of clothes! I'm going to be on TV., competing for my big break and I had nothing to wear!

On my way home to pack, I called my head pro Bob Turnquist, told him the news, and said he needed to pull some clothes off the rack for me- I was headed to Hawaii. After doing some last minute shopping and hitting approximately 10 golf balls, I went home and threw what clothes were clean into a suitcase and headed to the airport. It's all fun and games until...
On my flight over to Oahu I kept on pinching myself. I couldn't believe that I was getting my "big break". The night before I had looked at my husband and said, "I should be on a flight to Oahu right now, instead I'm planning a garage sale - what's wrong with this picture?

Even though I went there with absolutely no expectations, just the hope that I wouldn't make a complete fool out of myself, I was completely shocked upon arrival. Immediately T.J. had a handycam in my face, and all I could think was- "it's all fun and games until every move you make is going to be put on TV. where everyone can see you!"

So, I made a promise to myself as I gathered my bags. I was going to be who I was, whether I got along with everybody or nobody, I was going to have fun whether I went off first or last, and I sure as heck wasn't going to be intimidated by anything whether that meant someone or some situation. This was an opportunity that I somehow fell into and I was determined to have the most fun, laugh the hardest, and put the most of me out there. If I was going to be the underdog, I wasn't going to be shy about it.

For 14 full days we filmed, played, interviewed, and cried. The intensity was enormous, the camaraderie was amazing, and the fire in everybody's eyes only got more intense. You see, we all realized very quickly that our "big break" was all based on seizing the moment. Hitting the right shot at the right time. Calming our nerves, anxieties and fears, and pulling off the shot that would knock the next person off.

By the time my day had come, I was definitely seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I knew I would have to play Ashley or Jeanne at some point. It just so happened it would be Jeanne on her good day, and my bad day. Jeanne played beautifully, I , well I didn't play so beautifully. I did my 'walk of shame' and was finally able to come off the emotional rollercoaster that became known as "The Big Break". The Aftermath
Since earlier this year when the show ended, my golf career has begun to blossom. I gained a whole new perspective on my golf game compared to other skilled professionals. I became more confident than ever and more determined than ever to make my dreams of playing on the LPGA Tour become a reality.

I began competing in a few Futures Tour events, as well as the Cactus Tour and U.S. Women's Open qualifier. After undergoing an emergency appendectomy in June, I started a busy schedule on the Cactus Tour in August leading into LPGA qualifying school in September along with additional events on the Cactus Tour leading in to the 2007 Touring season.

I have also been lucky enough to work with the Golf Channel on a few other shows including ‘Academy Live’, ‘Your Game Night’, and ‘Golf With Style Global Challenge’ in Jamaica. The opportunities that I have been blessed with have been instrumental in my continuing my professional golf career.

I have been and will continue to work hard in gathering sponsorship for the upcoming touring season. After realizing that I was the only girl on the show, besides Nikki, that hasn't had the chance to play a full season on a mini tour, I made it my goal to find a way to give myself that chance. I believe the only way you can find success in this career is to compete at the highest level as frequently as possible. There is no substitute for continuous competition, and the only way you can get to the LPGA is through Qualifying School or earning on of the top five spots on the Duramed Futures Tour money list. With this in mind, I'm attacking the rest of this season with no fear and an eager outlook on 2007.