On Other Tours: O’Toole wins on LPGA Futures Tour
April 11, 2011 by
Filed under News
O'Toole Hangs On To Win Santorini Riviera Nayarit Classic
NUEVO VALLARTA, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, April 10, 2011 - California's Ryann O'Toole held off some stiff competition on the final holes today to win the $ 125,000 Santorini Riviera Nayarit Classic presented by Pepsi.
The third-year pro started today's final round tied for tenth, four shots off the lead, but she carded a bogey-free finish with six birdies to post a winning score of 8-under 211 at El Tigre Golf & Country Club.
The former UCLA collegian held off Dawn Shockley (69) of Estes Park, Colorado and childhood friend Nicole Smith (69) of Riverside, California, who tied for second at 7-under 212. Shockley's birdie attempt to force a tie lipped out on the 18th hole, while Smith took bogey on the final green.
"It's just nice to get the season off to a great start," said O'Toole, 24, of San Clemente, California, who earned her third career LPGA Futures Tour title with today's win. "Dawn and I were going head-to-head in the same group all day and I knew I had to bring 100 percent of my game."
Shockley, a second-year pro out of the University of Denver, also came to play and rattled off an eagle-3 on the fifth hole, followed by three consecutive birdies. But O'Toole answered with a birdie from 40 feet on No. 5, another birdie from 35 feet from off the green on No. 6, and a 20-foot birdie on the ninth hole.
"She putted awesome today," said Shockley, of O'Toole's performance. "I was playing well, but Ryann drained two long birdie putts on top of mine. What can you do about that?"
Like her old pal from Southern California junior golf, Smith brought her mighty tee shots to El Tigre today and charged up the leaderboard on the back nine with birdies on four of her last seven holes. Smith picked up momentum on the homestretch with a 15-foot birdie on the 16th, and added another birdie on 17 from 12 feet to tie O'Toole at eight under.
But an untimely pushed tee shot into the right rough on the final hole forced Smith to punch out and try to salvage her share of the lead. The former University of Tennessee player could not convert her tricky 40-foot par putt, dropping a stroke on the final green after a day in which she hit 17 greens in regulation and missed only two fairways.
"I knew Ryann was going to shoot something like five under today and I knew I had to do the same," said Smith, who met O'Toole in a junior tournament when they were 12 years old. "This is bittersweet, especially to lose because of a poor drive, but if I can't win, I'd rather have my best friend finish in front of me."
O'Toole credited patience for today's win, saying that after losing shots late on the previous two days, she came into the final round with a more conservative approach on the par-73 course.
"I've been silly going for pins that weren't accessible, so today, I played it safe, didn't press, and it paid off," said O'Toole, who hit 15 greens and 12 fairways in regulation and needed only 28 putts. "Sometimes I just want to go for every flag, so I've had to learn that it's not always smart."
O'Toole's prize check of $ 17,500 moved her from No. 21 to first on the LPGA Futures Tour's 2011 money list after the tour's third tournament.
For scores and more information, visit lpgafuturestour.com.
Sara Brown – Rookie Blog One
March 1, 2011 by
Filed under News
Well it is time once again for rookie blogs here on the LPGA Tour and you know what that means...I am officially an LPGA Rookie for 2011. WOOHOO!!! 
I have dreamed about this since I was eight years old and it has finally happened. YAY!!! So what does that mean for me, well it means I'm going to be one busy girl this year. Qualifying for the LPGA Tour was fun yet very stressful because I was also traveling back and forth from Spain the week before and the week after Q-school to get full status on the Ladies European Tour as well.
So for this off-season (can we as golfers even call it an off-season... NOT REALLY) I have been busy getting everything ready for the season. I have recently switched club companies and am very excited about the change. I moved back home to Tucson and was very blessed to get an honorary membership at La Paloma Country Club!!! I have been talking to sponsors and most importantly practicing and getting my game in shape for the start of the season that is coming up oh so very soon. 
I just told you that I got new clubs from TaylorMade and actually played in a Cactus Tour event (a mini tour in Phoenix, Arizona) with them after only practicing for two days. I shot 68-74-72 and it wasn't the new clubs fault for the 74... it was my oh so precious putter. :/ Back to the putting green for more practice. But an under par tournament is always a good tournament so I am still smiling!!! I am so looking forward to all that is going to happen this year and keeping you my fans informed of all the fun events that I will be taking part in .
Stay tuned.
Sara "No-H" Brown
Learn more about Sara Brown >>
Read more 2011 Rookie Blogs >>
The copyrighted content contained on this blog reflects the sole opinion(s) of the author. Such content does not necessarily represent the LPGA's views, opinions, intentions, and/or strategies, and is intended for informational or amusement purposes only.
Get to know the 2011 Rookies: Tournament they want to play?
February 14, 2011 by
Filed under News
The rookies of the 2011 LPGA Tour are beginning to make a name for themselves. Get to know the rookies as they share their thoughts on a few topics. Check back towards the start of the season to find out more about your favorite rookies as LPGA.com shares some insight into their lives.
|
What tournament are you looking forward to the most? And why? |
|||
|
Rookie |
Country |
Answer |
|
| Shasta Averyhardt |
USA |
My very first LPGA event because I can't wait to play! |  |
| Danah Bordner |
USA |
Not sure. |  |
| Becky Brewerton |
Wales |
If I get in it would be the U. S. Women's Open, magical event. |  |
| Sara Brown |
USA |
My first one, the Kia Classic because it will be the start to a new year, a new season and I'm just excited to be on the LPGA Tour. |  |
| Sarah Brown |
USA |
I would love to play in the Kraft Nabisco Championship because I love the history and tradition of it and I love the course. |  |
| Dori Carter |
USA |
Anything international - I haven't traveled outside the United States much. |  |
| Jodi Ewart |
England |
RICOH Women's British Open - to be given the opportunity to play a major championship in my own country would be amazing! |  |
| Tiffany Joh |
USA |
The first one I get into. |  |
| Jennifer Johnson |
USA |
I am looking forward to every tournament because most of the venues are unique and are in some countries that I have never been to. |  |
| Kimberly Kim |
USA |
Every single one, because just being part of the LPGA in any event is such an honor and privilege. |  |
| Jessica Korda |
USA |
All of them! Because I get to explore new places and courses. |  |
| Amelia Lewis |
USA |
No particular one, just the overall experience of playing in the tournaments. |  |
| Ryann O'Toole |
USA |
My first event, but really Kraft Nabisco, because all of my friends and family can come. |  |
| Stephanie Sherlock |
Canada |
All of them! It's a huge honor to be able to play in any event. |  |
| Jenny Shin |
South Korea |
My first, because I'd want to play well in the beginning and get some ease off of my shoulders. |  |
| Jennifer Song |
USA |
I get excited with almost every tournament that I participate in, but I look forward to the U.S. Women’s Open the most. After that, I’m looking forward to the Olympics in 2016! I think it would be incredible to be chosen for the golf team? |  |
| Jenny Suh |
USA |
My first LPGA event, because I'm so excited to play on the big tour. |  |
| Jaclyn Sweeney |
USA |
The U. S. Women's Open because it is my nation's championship |
 |
| Alison Whitaker |
Australia |
My first tour event! And hopefully the U. S. Women's Open because it really is the best of the best playing! |  |
Who are you looking forward to meeting the most on Tour? And why? >>
If you could pick the dream pairing who would it be? And why? >>
Where is your favorite place to travel? And why? >>
How do you feel about earning your 2011 LPGA Tour Card? >>
What is your New Year's Resolution? >>
On Other Tours: Tseng wins on Ladies European Tour
February 14, 2011 by
Filed under News
Tseng claims ANZ RACV Ladies Masters and World No. 1 spot
Article courtesy of Ladies European Tour
13th February 2011 - Taiwan's Yani Tseng shot a closing 68 to win the ANZ RACV Ladies Masters at the RACV Royal Pines Resort and claimed the world No. 1 ranking from Korean Jiyai Shin today.
Tseng, 22, who has played the Ladies Masters on Queensland's Gold Coast since she was a 16-year-old amateur, produced rounds of 67, 66, 63 and 68 against par of 72 to finish at 24 under par, four shots clear of Australia's Nikki Campbell (64) and American Stacy Lewis (69).
Another American, Ryann O'Toole (69), took fourth place at 18-under par while 16-year-old New Zealand Amateur Cecilia Cho (67) tied for fifth with South African and European No. 1 Lee-Anne Pace (65), American Amanda Blumenhurst (65) and Australian Sarah-Jane Smith (66).
The win comes on the heels of the ISPS Women's Australian Open at Commonwealth Golf Club in Melbourne last week, a double achieved only by Karrie Webb in 2000 and 2007. Webb was looking to win the title for the eighth time this year but after sharing the lead with an opening 66, shot subsequent rounds of 71, 68 and 67 to drop back to a share of ninth place.
Tseng's elevation to the top spot in the rankings is almost routine for previous visitors to the Ladies Masters. Others who have commenced their professional career at the ANZ Ladies Masters and then gone onto achieve the No. 1 ranking include Webb, Sweden's Annika Sorenstam and Mexico's Lorena Ochoa.
The winner of three majors - the 2009 LPGA Championship and the Kraft Nabisco Championship and RICOH Women's British Open in 2010 - said her goal at the start of the year was to be ranked the best player in the world. She advanced from No. 5 to No. 2 with the Australian Open win and completed the journey at RACV Royal Pines Resort.
The trick now, she says, is staying there. Since Ochoa retired on top in May last year, Shin, Japan's Ai Miyazato and American Cristie Kerr have assumed and lost the mantle. "It is so soon," said Tseng. "I wasn't expecting it as quickly as this. I still have another 10 months to go. I just need to be very patient and keep working hard and I still have lots of things to learn too."
She described the win as a dream come true. "I'm very appreciative of the opportunity to play in this tournament since I was an amateur," she said. "I have learnt a lot here, coming to play with the best golfers in the world. The first time I came here I told all my friends that one day I want my picture on Champion Drive with all the other winners."
Nikki Campbell, who recorded her best finish on home soil, was very pleased with her final round 64, "Yeah, I quite often have my best rounds on a Sunday, and I don't know why. Maybe I see the finish line and try and get there I guess. I was happy with today. I've played well most of the week and sort of, things just went well today." Campbell said after her round.
The circuit now moves to Christchurch in for the Pegasus New Zealand Women's Open hosted by Christchurch, the third event in as many weeks co-sanctioned by Australian Ladies Professional Golf and the Ladies European Tour.
For final results visit www.alpg.com.au
Get to know the 2011 Rookies: Who they most want to meet on Tour
February 7, 2011 by
Filed under News
The rookies of the 2011 LPGA Tour are beginning to make a name for themselves. Get to know the rookies as they share their thoughts on a few topics. Check back towards the start of the season to find out more about your favorite rookies as LPGA.com shares some insight into their lives.
|
Who are you looking forward to meeting the most on Tour? And why? |
|||
|
Rookie |
Country |
Answer |
|
| Shasta Averyhardt |
USA |
I look forward to meeting Christina Kim because she has so much personality and style. She would be a joy to play with! | |
| Becky Brewerton |
Wales |
I will look forward to playing with top players more often. | |
| Sarah Brown |
USA |
Paula Creamer. She seems like a good role model and a lot of fun to be around. | |
| Dori Carter |
USA |
Juli Inkster. I grew up watching her play. | |
| Jodi Ewart |
England |
Laura Davies, the greatest player England has produced. | |
| Tiffany Joh |
USA |
Everyone. | |
| Jennifer Johnson |
USA |
No one in particular. | |
| Kimberly Kim |
USA |
No one in particular. I'm excited to meet anyone out on Tour. | |
| Jessica Korda |
USA |
I'm excited to meet all the players. They are all so unique. | |
| Jennie Lee |
South Korea |
All the other Tour players. |  |
| Amelia Lewis |
USA |
I'm just looking forward to meeting and playing against the best players in the world. | |
| Harukyo Nomura |
Japan |
The Japanese players because they cheered for me to get through Q-School. |
 |
| Ryann O'Toole |
USA |
All the top players. I want to learn about their games and what makes them the players they are and learn to become good at what they do best. | |
| Stephanie Sherlock |
Canada |
Lori Kane - I have looked up to her for a long time. | |
| Jenny Shin |
South Korea |
All the players. I'd like to get to know my fellow players. | |
| Jenny Suh |
USA |
Jiyai Shin - she seems like a fun and hard-working person with a great personality. | |
| Jaclyn Sweeney |
USA |
Karen Stupples because I briefly met her as an amateur at the LPGA Statefarm Classic in 2010. | |
| Alison Whitaker |
Australia |
The fans! I love talking to new people both on and off the course. | |
If you could pick the dream pairing who would it be? And why? >>
Where is your favorite place to travel? And why? >>
How do you feel about earning your 2011 LPGA Tour Card? >>
What is your New Year's Resolution? >>
Get to know the 2011 Rookies: Dream Pairings
February 1, 2011 by
Filed under News
The rookies of the 2011 LPGA Tour are beginning to make a name for themselves. Get to know the rookies as they share their thoughts on a few topics. Check back towards the start of the season to find out more about your favorite rookies as LPGA.com shares some insight into their lives.
|
If you could pick the dream pairing who would it be? And why? |
|||
|
Rookie |
Country |
Answer |
|
| Becky Brewerton |
Wales |
Jiyai Shin as she is the best in the world right now. | |
| Sarah Brown |
USA |
Me, Paula Creamer and Michelle Wie. I think it would be a fun group and I think I could learn from them. | |
| Dori Carter |
USA |
Kristy McPherson, Stacy Lewis - SEC players | |
| Jodi Ewart |
England |
Laura Davies and Annika Sorenstam | |
| Tiffany Joh |
USA |
Bon Qui Qui, Jane Park, Mariajo Uribe and me, because it's less awkward when you have at least one friend with you | |
| Jennifer Johnson |
USA |
My dream pairing would have to be Annika, Lorena and Tiger because they all dominated when they were #1 and I definitely could learn a lot from them. | |
| Kimberly Kim |
USA |
Christina Kim and Ai Miyazato, because they are such nice, pleasant people. | |
| Stephanie Kim |
USA |
Kathy Whitworth, Tiger Woods and Nancy Lopez because I just love how much each player has achieved in their career. |  |
| Jessica Korda |
USA |
Morgan Pressel and Christina Kim | |
| Jennie Lee |
South Korea |
My mom, dad, brother and me. I love spending time together with my family. | |
| Amelia Lewis |
USA |
Jesus - my hero, Rory Mcilroy - favorite player, and Tim Tebow - role model. | |
| Harukyo Nomura |
Japan |
Tiger Woods, because he's #1 in the world, and Rory Mcilroy, because he has a nice swing. | |
| Ryann O'Toole |
USA |
Annika and Lorena | |
| Stephanie Sherlock |
Canada |
I think every pairing will be cool. | |
| Jenny Shin |
South Korea |
Impossible, because it would have to be a 10-some! | |
| Jenny Suh |
USA |
My dad, boyfriend and Tiger Woods, because we would all learn something and marvel at his skills. | |
| Jaclyn Sweeney |
USA |
Bobby Jones, Nancy Lopez and Lorena Ochoa. Bobby Jones because he defined what golf really is, in both sportsmanship and greatness. Nancy Lopez because she was the first golfer I identified with growing up. Lorena Ochoa because she is a great role model on and off the course. | |
| Alison Whitaker |
Australia |
Amanda Blumenherst and Tiffany Joh | |
Where is your favorite place to travel? And why?
How do you feel about earning your 2011 LPGA Tour Card? >>
What is your New Year's Resolution? >>
Get to know the 2011 Rookies – Favorite place to travel
January 24, 2011 by
Filed under News
The rookies of the 2011 LPGA Tour are beginning to make a name for themselves. Get to know the rookies as they share their thoughts on a few topics. Check back towards the start of the season to find out more about your favorite rookies as LPGA.com shares some insight into their lives.
|
Where is your favorite place to travel? And why? |
|||
|
Rookie |
Country |
Answer |
|
| Shasta Averyhardt |
USA |
I love traveling to big cities because there is always something to do off the golf course! | |
| Christel Boeljon |
Netherlands |
South Africa, it's beautiful and great courses. |  |
| Danah Bordner |
USA |
San Francisco and the surrounding areas...wine country, hiking and golf. | |
| Becky Brewerton |
Wales |
New Zealand, beautiful and peaceful country. | |
| Sara Brown |
USA |
Back home to my bed because i don't get to be in it that much during the season. | |
| Dori Carter |
USA |
Sea Island, Georgia - great place to play golf. | |
| Jodi Ewart |
England |
Anywhere in the Southwest, I love the culture and weather in the SW, not to mention the food! Internationally, I love Dubai when I visited and would love to go back without the golf clubs. | |
| Tiffany Joh |
USA |
Mexican, the food! | |
| Jennifer Johnson |
USA |
I don't have a favorite place to travel, but I like to go to places that I have never traveled before. Sweden, Germany, Scotland and Japan are definitely at the top of my list. | |
| Kimberly Kim |
USA |
In Colorado, because the air is fresh and the scenery is spectacular and beautiful. | |
| Stephanie Kim |
USA |
Home because I travel everywhere else and it's nice to be home. | |
| Jessica Korda |
USA |
Prague, Czech Republic, because that is where most of my family is. | |
| Amelia Lewis |
USA |
Europe, because I love new places and learning about the history. | |
| Harukyo Nomura |
Japan |
Europe, I have been there | |
| Ryann O'Toole |
USA |
To the lake, love being on the water and hanging out on the boat, wake boarding and inter tubing | |
| Stephanie Sherlock |
Canada |
Probably home because I'm not there very often. | |
| Jenny Shin |
South Korea |
Haven't done it yet. | |
| Jenny Suh |
USA |
Home - I love spending time with family and friends because it recharges me mentally, physically and emotionally. | |
| Jaclyn Sweeney |
USA |
Rome, Italy because I vacationed there with my family and i love the history of the city. | |
| Alison Whitaker |
Australia |
Back home to Melbourne. It's so multi-cultural that it's like living in a mini world of your own. | |
How do you feel about earning your 2011 LPGA Tour Card? >>
What is your New Year's Resolution? >>
Get to know the 2011 Rookies – Earning their 2011 card
January 18, 2011 by
Filed under News
The rookies of the 2011 LPGA Tour are beginning to make a name for themselves. Get to know the rookies as they share their thoughts on a few topics. Check back towards the start of the season to find out more about your favorite rookies as LPGA.com shares some insight into their lives.
|
How do you feel about earning your 2011 LPGA Tour Card? |
|||
|
Rookie |
Country |
Answer |
|
| Shasta Averyhardt |
USA |
I'm so excited. I still can't believe it; I finally made it! I had to ask someone yesterday, "Is this really happening?" | |
| Christel Boeljon |
Netherlands |
Pretty good! It's a great finish of a solid season for me. Will be a great opportunity for new experiences | |
| Danah Bordner |
USA |
Hard work pays off. It was a very Happy Birthday! | |
| Becky Brewerton |
Wales |
Very excited, hope to make the most of a good opportunity. | |
| Sara Brown |
USA |
Ecstatic!!! There are not many words to use. I am just so happy I haven't stopped smiling. | |
| Dori Carter |
USA |
Still unbelievable - haven't fully grasped what it means. Very emotional - excitement and relief. | |
| Jodi Ewart |
England |
Ecstatic, this is what I've been working for my whole life. To be given the opportunity to play events on the LPGA is incredible! | |
| Tiffany Joh |
USA |
Excited, nervous. | |
| Jennifer Johnson |
USA |
I am really excited for the 2011 season to get underway. Playing against better competition and on better courses will only make me a better player. | |
| Kimberly Kim |
USA |
This is a dream come true for me. I can't describe the joy I feel. I almost can't believe that I made it, it's a surreal feeling. | |
| Stephanie Kim |
USA |
It's like every first time, it's exhilarating! | |
| Jessica Korda |
USA |
Words can't describe how happy I am. | |
| Jennie Lee |
USA |
Very excited to play against the best in the world. |
|
| Amelia Lewis |
USA |
Happy! So many doors opened and my dreams are starting to become a reality. | |
| Harukyo Nomura |
Japan |
Very happy. | |
| Ryann O'Toole |
USA |
I am very excited, however worried about the number of events I'll play in. As a rookie, it is tough achieving Rookie of the Year when you're not given full opportunity. But it is still my goal! | |
| Stephanie Sherlock |
Canada |
Thrilled! Also, relieved to be done with q-school. Really excited and looking forward to the season! | |
| Jenny Shin |
South Korea |
Unbelievable. It hasn't hit me yet but I might have a panic attack in my first tournament. | |
| Jenny Suh |
USA |
Ecstatic! Excited to get my foot in the door. | |
| Jaclyn Sweeney |
USA |
Happy and excited to join the LPGA! | |
| Alison Whitaker |
Australia |
I'm beyond excited! | |
What is your New Year's Resolution? >>
Get to know the 2011 Rookies: New Year’s Resolutions
January 11, 2011 by
Filed under News
The rookies of the 2011 LPGA Tour are beginning to make a name for themselves. Get to know the rookies as they share their thoughts on a few topics. Check back towards the start of the season to find out more about your favorite rookies as LPGA.com shares some insight into their lives.
|
Are you going to make a New Year's resolution this year? If so what? |
|||
|
Rookie |
Country |
Answer |
|
| Shasta Averyhardt |
USA |
I typically don't make resolutions, I just randomly decide to do something and commit to it! | |
| Danah Bordner |
USA |
Same game plan as 2010 | |
| Becky Brewerton |
Wales |
My resolution is to try and be better at everything I do. | |
| Sara Brown |
USA |
Yes, a better workout regimen and no more french fries (but I doubt that one will last long. Ha Ha Ha) | |
| Dori Carter |
USA |
Always make a resolution - this year I want to enjoy the new experiences and make lifelong memories | |
| Jodi Ewart |
England |
I never make New Year's Resolutions because I can never stick to them but if I had to choose one I'd have to say to cut down on the coffee intake. | |
| Tiffany Joh |
USA |
Nope | |
| Jennifer Johnson |
USA |
Yes but it is a secret! | |
| Kimberly Kim |
USA |
Yes, to work as hard as I possibly can and see what 2011 will bring. | |
| Jessica Korda |
USA |
I don't believe in that. | |
| Jennie Lee |
USA |
Eat less carbs! |
|
| Amelia Lewis |
USA |
No | |
| Ryann O'Toole |
USA |
Not being so honest. I can be a little blunt. | |
| Stephanie Sherlock |
Canada |
Yes! Workout more. | |
| Jenny Shin |
USA |
Watch what I say. Also, try to get as many fans as possible and let LPGA be known to non-golfers too. | |
| Jenny Suh |
USA |
To be more thankful for everything that I have. I am very fortunate to be able to chase my dreams | |
| Alison Whitaker |
Australia |
Nope - every year my resolution is to enjoy life. | |
2011 Rookie Listing
January 3, 2011 by
Filed under News
|
2011 Rookies
|
Big Break Alumna Sara Brown Earns Full-Time Status on LPGA Tour
December 21, 2010 by
Filed under News
ORLANDO, Fla. (Dec. 13, 2010) - Big Break Sandals Resorts and Big Break Dominican Republic competitor Sara Brown will play full time on the LPGA Tour in 2011 as a result of her T-14 finish Sunday at the final stage of LPGA Tour Q-School.
Brown, 25, finished "on the number" at 2-over-par to earn her LPGA Tour card at LPGA International in Daytona Beach, Fla.
"I was trying to stay in it and take it one shot at a time," said Brown. "But, to be honest, on hole 17, I told my caddy I was either going to puke or cry. Neither one would have been good. I was nervous to say the least."
On Monday, she and her boyfriend Derek Radley - who also is her swing coach - are traveling to Spain for the final stage of the Ladies European Tour Q-School this week. Her goal is to achieve full-time status on both the LPGA Tour and the Ladies European Tour for 2011.
Competing on the LPGA Tour next year will be a far cry from one year ago, when Brown nearly quit the game that she has been playing competitively since age-eight. She hung up her golf clubs after enduring a "sophomore slump" on the LPGA Futures Tour, and reconsidered golf as a career during the off-season.
"I didn't touch my clubs, not once," explained Brown back in January during filming of Big Break Sandals Resorts. "Those two months allowed me to clear my head and re-address my goals not only professionally, but also personally."
It wasn't until after the filming of Big Break Sandals Resorts (she finished third) that her passion and love for the game returned, and erased any doubts she had about golf as a career. She returned as a contestant on Big Break Dominican Republic in June that recently concluded its on-air run on Golf Channel.
"I couldn't have asked for a better experience than what I went through on Big Break in the Bahamas," said Brown during filming of Big Break Dominican Republic. "I fell back in love with the game. It erased any doubts in my mind that this is what I want to do with my life."
Brown told Golf Channel back in January that she had a goal of being on the LPGA Tour in five years. On Sunday, she achieved her goal four years ahead of schedule.
"Words cannot describe how I feel," said Brown. "Reflecting on my year, this is just the best ending I could have ever wished for. I really did get my Big Break in more ways than one."
Joining Brown on the LPGA Tour in 2011 will be fellow Big Break Sandals Resorts contestant Ryann O'Toole. O'Toole earned partial status on the LPGA Tour by finishing seventh on the 2010 LPGA Futures Tour Money List, highlighted by two victories. The two will join Kristy McPherson (Big Break VI: Trump National) - a member of the victorious 2009 U.S. Solheim Cup Team - as the three Big Break alums with 2011 LPGA Tour membership.
Carling Coffing (Big Break Sandals Resorts Champion) became the first Big Break winner in the series' 14-season history on Sunday to earn a paycheck in all tournament sponsor exemptions granted as a result of the victory. Coffing finished T-22 the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters on the Ladies European Tour on Sunday and competed in the Lorena Ochoa Invitational presented by Banamex and Corona Light in November (no cut event). She also earned a sponsor exemption to compete in the CVS/pharmacy LPGA Challenge in October via the tournament after her Big Break victory, finishing T-53 in her first LPGA Tour event.
Golf Channel's Big Break show concept pits highly skilled golfers against each other in a variety of challenges that test their physical skills and mental toughness. Past Big Break champions have won tournament exemptions to compete on some of the world's top professional circuits, such as the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour, European Tour, LPGA Tour, Nationwide Tour and Canadian Tour. Several past Big Break competitors are currently competing on the world's top tours, including Tommy Gainey, James Nitties, Matt Every and McPherson.
