LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The Northern Trust Open announced today that the SCPGA (Southern California Section of the PGA of America) Foundation raised $42,256 through the second checkpoint in the tournament’s 2015 TICKETS Fore CHARITY™ program, earning it first place in the program’s Bonus Pool and an additional $7,500 in funds, courtesy of Northern Trust Corporation (Nasdaq: NTRS).

Through TICKETS Fore CHARITY, participating 501(c)3 non-profit organizations can generate much-needed funds by promoting specially priced tournament tickets to the Northern Trust Open. Charitable organizations keep 80 percent of the net proceeds from the sale of each ticket they sell, with the remaining 20 percent donated to City of Hope, the official charity of the Northern Trust Open. Since the Northern Trust Open’s TICKETS Fore CHARITY program began in 2010, more than $1 million has been generated for approximately 120 charities throughout Los Angeles.

If you are interested in participating in the 2016 TICKETS Fore CHARITY program at the Northern Trust Open. Please contact Kristi Lee Fowlks, Coordinator Community Outreach Programs at 310.573.5810 or [email protected].

The SCPGA Foundation is involved in and supports the growth of the game of golf through initiatives such as Play Golf America, Neighborhood Golf, California Alliance for Golf and the University of California at Riverside Turfgrass Research Program, to name a few.

“Thanks so much to the SCPGA supporters for their continued interest in our youth programs through TICKETS Fore CHARITY and PLAY GOLF LA,” said SCPGA Foundation CEO/Executive Director Tom Addis III.

Northern Trust provides a charity challenge bonus pool of up to $50,000 to be distributed at four “checkpoints” throughout the year. Under the bonus pool challenge, the charities that generate the most ticket sales – with a minimum of $15,000 – through the first three designated checkpoints are to be awarded a portion of $20,000 by Northern Trust Corporation. SCGA (Southern California Golf Association) Youth on Course won the first checkpoint bonus pool. The final $30,000 bonus is to be divided among the top three participating TICKETS Fore CHARITY organizations, based on the overall total sales generated during the 2015 program.

For the 2015 event, specially-priced tickets available through the TICKETS Fore CHARITY program include Thursday grounds ($28); Friday grounds ($38); Saturday grounds ($48); Sunday grounds ($38); Weekly Grounds ($98, Wednesday – Sunday); Weekly Clubhouse ($218, Thursday – Sunday).

About the Northern Trust Open
The Northern Trust Open is one of the longest-running tournaments on the PGA TOUR. Debuting in 1926 at Los Angeles Country Club, the event had been staged at various courses throughout the Los Angeles area before permanently settling at The Riviera Country Club in 1973. The Northern Trust Open boasts an impressive list of past champions that includes 25 World Golf Hall of Fame members such as Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer and Phil Mickelson. City of Hope was named the official charity of the Northern Trust Open beginning with the 2013 event. In 2014, the Northern Trust Open generated a record $2.1 million to benefit City of Hope and other non-profit organizations in the Los Angeles area. The total generated for Los Angeles charities since the event’s inception in 1926 is now more than $58 million.

Fans are reminded that each year, youth 18 and younger are admitted free of charge to the Northern Trust Open when accompanied by a ticketed adult. There is no limit to the number of youths 18 and younger who can attend with a ticketed adult. Also, as part of its support for the Birdies for the Brave military outreach initiative, the Northern Trust Open will provide complimentary grounds admission for active duty and Reserve military members, military retirees, and their dependents from Wednesday through Sunday of tournament week sponsored by Quicken Loans. A military ticket voucher must be presented at the gate along with a Department of Defense-issued ID. To obtain military ticket vouchers, visit https://birdiesforthebrave.sheerid.com/NorthernTrustOpen/

About Northern Trust
Northern Trust Corporation (Nasdaq: NTRS) is a leading provider of asset servicing, fund administration, asset management, fiduciary, and banking solutions for corporations, institutions, families, and individuals worldwide. Chicago-based Northern Trust has offices in 19 states, Washington, D.C., and 20 international locations in Canada, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. As of December 31, 2014, Northern Trust had assets under custody of US$6 trillion, and assets under investment management of US$934.1 billion. For 125 years, Northern Trust has earned distinction as an industry leader in combining exceptional service and expertise with innovative products and technology. For more information, visit www.northerntrust.com and follow us on Twitter @NorthernTrust.

About City of Hope
City of Hope is a leading research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as a comprehensive cancer center, the highest recognition bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, City of Hope is also a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, with research and treatment protocols that advance care throughout the nation. City of Hope’s main hospital is located in Duarte, Calif., just northeast of Los Angeles, with clinics in Antelope Valley and South Pasadena. It is ranked as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” in cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation and genetics. For more information, visit www.cityofhope.org or follow City of Hope on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Flickr.

Tiger Woods was all smiles on Tuesday – and with a full set of teeth.

The brilliant smile of Tiger Woods is back. Woods gave a play-by-play account to media on Tuesday during the Waste Management Phoenix Open news conference describing exactly how his front tooth got knocked out. The incident happened in Italy, last week, when Woods arrived to the World Cup finish line planning to surprise girlfriend Lindsey Vonn for winning the World Cup ski record.

Woods’ general demeanor during the press conference was relaxed, as he stood and explained that he wore the skeleton-patterned mask at the event, trying to blend in with the crowd, standing behind photographers at one of two podium presentations. Woods said that a videographer stood up, swung around the video camera, and it banged into his mouth, knocking out a left front tooth and badly cracking another one nine days ago.

The skeleton-patterned mask he had worn— to initially conceal his identity from the public, now sheltered the gush of blood coming from his mouth. Woods flew home the very next day and had his teeth repaired, “The flight home was a joke. I couldn’t eat, couldn’t drink until he fixed them, put the temporaries on. I couldn’t have anything touch it. Even breathing hurt, because any kind of air over the nerve, the tooth that was still alive, was cracked.” Woods said they were permanent teeth – not caps.

A World Cup race official says he was not aware of the incident and nothing had been reported.

Local Qualifying Opportunities Set for Third Year of Free Youth Golf Development Initiative.

AUGUSTA, Ga. –The Masters Tournament, United States Golf Association (USGA) and the PGA of America today announced that qualifying registration is now officially open on the event’s website, www.DriveChipandPutt.com.

This free nationwide youth golf development initiative is open to boys and girls ages 7-15, competing in separate divisions in four age categories. In its third edition, the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship will open qualifying locations throughout all 50 states during the months of May, June, July and August. Top performers at the local level will advance through sub-regional and regional qualifiers in July/August and September, respectively. The top 80 performers – 40 boys and 40 girls – will earn an invitation to the National Finals at Augusta National on Sunday, April 3, the eve of the 2016 Masters.
“PGA Professionals in each of our 41 PGA Sections are committed to growing the game and making a positive impact on the lives of youth throughout the country,” said PGA of America President Derek Sprague.

“We believe the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship will continue to play an integral role in encouraging more youngsters to experience a game they can enjoy for a lifetime.”
“Our vision for Drive, Chip and Putt is to inspire a new generation to choose golf as a recreational sport,” said Tom O’Toole Jr., president of the USGA. “By focusing on the three essential skills that build confidence, we’re showing boys and girls that it’s fun for everyone to learn, to discover and celebrate success. We hope to foster that feeling of achievement, knowing it connects golfers of all ages to a global community.”

“We believe the incentive to ultimately qualify for a trip to Augusta National will motivate kids to take part in this wonderful program and take another step toward making golf a game of a lifetime,” said Billy Payne, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament. “Based on the smiles we continue to see from the participants, and the outpouring of support and encouragement we hear from countless people who share our love for the game, I am completely confident this program will continue to improve, expand and inspire.”

The breakdown of the 2016 Drive, Chip and Putt Championship qualifying schedule is as follows:

Local (May/June/July/August): 255 host sites spread throughout all 50 states
3 juniors advance in each age/gender category from every venue

Sub-Regional (July/August): 50 host sites spread throughout 45 states
2 juniors advance in each age/gender category from every venue

Regional (September): 10 host sites in 10 defined regions
1 junior advances in each age/gender category from every venue

National Finals (April 3, 2016): 80 total participants at Augusta National Golf Club

The current second season of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship will conclude on the eve of the upcoming Masters Tournament, with 80 junior golfers representing 30 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces competing at Augusta National on Sunday, April 5. Golf Channel will broadcast the event live.

For more information about the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship, including official rules, a full listing of qualifying sites and registration information, please visit www.DriveChipandPutt.com.

Charlie Sifford, 92, is reportedly stable condition at South Pointe Hospital in Cleveland, according to The Golf Channel.com on Monday night.  Sifford is said to be battling a bacterial infection after also suffering a stroke. One source disclosed to this publication that Sifford tonight is breathing on his own but non-responsive.  Family members are with him.

The legendary golfer was first Black golfer to receive a PGA Tour card after the PGA desegregated in 1961. He twice proved himself on the Tour, winning the Greater Hartford Open in 1967 and the Los Angeles Open in 1969.  Sifford added two more senior title wins to his accomplishments at the 1975 PGA Seniors’ Championship and the 1980 Suntree Classic.

In 2001, Sifford became the first Black golfer inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame and this past November, he became just the third golfer to be presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, joining Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.  At the evening program, held at the White House, Sifford arrived smiling in a wheelchair.  He enjoyed chatting with friends, taking photos and admiring the more than 100 guests who attended the celebration.  At the festive event, Sifford looked strong despite receiving ongoing dialysis treatments several times a week.

Tiger Woods fondly refers to Sifford as his “grandfather” and often cites Sifford as an inspiration.  In a congratulatory tweet in November, upon learning about Sifford’s Presidential Medal of Freedom, Woods wrote: “the grandpa I never had,” and added, “Your past sacrifices allow me to play golf today. I’m so happy for you Charlie.”

ORLANDO, Florida (27 January 2015)

Several prominent figures behind golf’s eagerly-awaited return to the Olympic Games joined forces today with Major Champions, Graeme McDowell and Suzann Pettersen in Florida, in providing an upbeat assessment of the state of play with only 19 months left until the first tee shot in Rio de Janeiro, reports the Global Golf Tourism Organization.

Peter Dawson and Ty Votaw, respectively the President and Vice-President of the International Golf Federation – the body charged with the responsibility of bringing golf back into the Olympics – took to the stage at the IGF Olympic Golf Forum which launched the 2015 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, alongside the respected Rio course design team of Gil Hanse and Amy Alcott.

The excitement of the news was apparent throughout the room filled with a jam-packed audience who heard the details first-hand.  The attendees were updated on the considerable strides being made in ensuring that the pioneering 60 men and 60 women, who will represent their countries in August 2016, will find a beautiful course along with a stunning  golf challenge awaiting them in Brazil.

A delegation of IGF Board members discussed how they personally visited the course last weekend in Rio to witness for themselves the progress being made on site.  Dawson told Trade Show visitors, and the TV audience live on the Golf Channel, that “excitement is really mounting” as the countdown continues to Rio 2016.

He said: “We began this project of bidding for golf to return to the program of Olympic sports because so many small countries, small in golfing terms, who really needed some help to grow the game.  They said to us, look, if we could get golf into the Olympics it would give us extra exposure, extra government support, extra popularity for golf, and that’s already beginning to show through in so many countries that I visit around the world.”

Votaw expressed his comments, noting the significance of Olympic golf in the United State by saying: “When we embarked upon this process we knew it would grow the game around the world, and we also know that anything that could bring golf to more eyeballs and to more kids in this country would certainly have an incremental effect here. We think it’s going to do nothing but help grow the game here in the United States.”

Norwegian Pettersen, a two-time Major winner and seven-time Solheim Cup player, was closely involved with golf’s Olympic renaissance in 2009 as an IGF delegate in Copenhagen when the International Olympic Committee vote was taken to include golf in the Olympic Program for Rio 2016.

Growing up in Scandinavia, where the Winter Olympics ruled the roost, she could never conceive of the day – now just around the corner – where she, too, could dream of capturing the first gold medal in golf since the start of the previous century.

She said: “I grew up seeing all my role models, heroes, competing on TV for the gold, silver and bronze medals. Now I can have that dream myself and it is quite inspiring for me. And being a part of this process, you can see how much work it took to get golf back in and I think golf, as one of the biggest sports in the world, should be on the Olympic Program.”

McDowell also recalled his youth in Northern Ireland, commenting: “One of our most famous Olympians was Dame Mary Peters, pentathlon gold medallist in the ’72 Munich Olympics, and I think my earliest memories probably came from watching the Olympics on TV and – being a purist – were of the 100 metre sprinters, and Linford Christie, a phenomenal British athlete, winning gold in ’92.

“I think the Olympic Games is the pinnacle of sport. It’s the ultimate achievement for a sportsman and athlete. Nothing will internationalize the game more than golf being part of the Olympics and bringing the game to underdeveloped parts of the world, bringing golfers to this great sport that we all love. I don’t think the timing could be more perfect. We’re all very, very excited and very passionate to be part of it.”

Hanse and World Golf Hall of Fame member, Alcott, provided a series of slides displaying the type of golf course the players will encounter in August 2016. Hanse explained: “We were blessed with a very sandy site (offering) the opportunity to create a golf course that looks and feels a little bit like the sand belt in Melbourne, Australia. I think these images will hopefully resonate and show people that there is grass, it’s growing, and there is a real golf course in the ground down there.”

Alcott added: “Gil and I have created a real links-style course with a lot of diversity and the mandate was playability for all levels of golfers (although) obviously I wanted to see it as a real challenge for the elite players in the world. We will leave behind a course for the people of Rio to enjoy in perpetuity.”

Pettersen said: “From what I’ve heard it’s going to be a fantastic course. It’s going to be links style, which is probably not what I had on my mind thinking about Rio, and having played some other courses down there.”

McDowell commented: “I think seeing these images certainly heightens the excitement level to be part of it. We still have a bit of work to do to make sure we are on the teams to go and compete as an Olympic athlete. I’m very passionate about seeing the golf course in Rio – it’s definitely amazing.

“I believe that the Olympic Games will grow into the game of golf as players get a chance to experience it. Golf has not been part of the Olympics since 1904. We have got a lot of learning to do. We have got a lot of understanding to do. As players we are excited to be part of it. The game will grow as we witness the first golfers standing on the podium with gold medal around their necks listening to their national anthems.”

The 2015 HSBC Golf Business Forum (GBF) will be staged at the award-winning five-star Pudong Shangri- La Hotel in Shanghai, 1 – 4 November 2015.  This will be the 12th annual presentation of the Forum.

Presented by IMG, the GBF is considered the pre-eminent international gathering of golf stakeholders. Fresh thinking and networking are at the heart of the agenda for the three-day conference where specialists and influencers are set to collaborate and debate golf’s 21st Century issues and opportunities. A mix of panels, keynote presentations and insightful sessions from the world’s most innovative and diverse brands will help facilitate the rich educational content.

Attendees will gain exposure to  new strategic research and thought leadership on different aspects of the business in areas such as course development, operations and tourism, along with player development and economic impact.  For more information on the agenda, speakers and delegates visit HSBC Golf Business Forum

Junior Golfers and Parents – JGC is in preparation for its first event in Georgia with their annual Junior Masters presented by PGA TOUR Superstore.  A few more events may be added to the list below over the next few weeks, but these events below will not change, according to Justin Hogue, Junior Golf Championships.   It looks to be another exciting year in junior golf and we look forward to seeing everyone in Atlanta!

Junior Masters presented by PGA TOUR Superstore  

April 18-19th, 2015

Boys (14 – 18) Champion – 4 Performance Stars

Boys (14 – 18) Top 5 – 1 Performance Star

Boys (12 – 13) Champion – 1 Performance Star

Girls (13 – 18) Champion – 4 Performance Stars

Girls (13 – 18) Top 3 – 1 Performance Star

Lone Star Junior Championship presented by PGA TOUR Superstore

May 23 – 24, 2015

Boys (14 – 18) Champion – 4 Performance Stars

Boys (14 – 18) Top 5 – 1 Performance Star

Girls (13 – 18) Champion – 4 Performance Stars

Girls (13 – 18) Top 3 – 1 Performance Star

TaylorMade Junior Open presented by PGA TOUR Superstore

June 22 – 23, 2015

Boys (14 – 18) Champion – 4 Performance Stars

Boys (14 – 18) Top 5 – 1 Performance Star

Girls (13 – 18) Champion – 4 Performance Stars

Girls (13 – 18) Top 3 – 1 Performance Star

There have been two course changes in the rotation (Junior Masters – Legends on Lake Lanier) and (Taylormade Junior Open – The Lakes at Castle Hills Golf Club). Both courses are outstanding!

(*) IMG Academy Junior World Qualifying event…working on final approval.

For additional information or questions please contact:

Justin Hogue , Junior Golf Championships

[email protected] 

JuniorGolfChampionships.com 

Cell (214) 499-6841

One of Tiger Woods’ front teeth was knocked out by a cameraman during a media scramble after his girlfriend Lindsey Vonn won another World Cup event in Italy on Monday, according to the UK DailyMail.com.
During the melee that followed the celebration, the once brilliant, wide smile of Woods looked surprisingly diminished, as a noticeable gap appeared. The golfer revealed the gap in his mouth as he congratulated the skier following her winning run in Cortina D’Ampezzo – her 63rd World Cup victory.

No one wants to showcase a missing tooth—especially during the apex of a world record accomplishment—and, Woods had hidden it behind a skeleton handkerchief, used as a makeshift mask before surprising Vonn (30) at the finish line; but it seems she was not the only one at the event who didn’t recognize the former world No. 1 – as the media promptly trampled him.

According to Woods’ agent Mark Steinberg: ‘During a crush of photographers at the awards’ podium at the World Cup event in Italy, a media member with a shoulder-mounted video camera pushed and surged towards the stage, turned and hit Tiger Woods in the mouth.  Earlier this year, Woods’ tooth appeared yellowish in color, perhaps a sign of dental woes.

Vonn told CNN that Woods often wears masks when he’s in ‘ski town’ so, she recognized him right away when she spotted him.

We’ll have to wait and see if the tooth is lost for good, or if someone may have actually recovered the tooth, or perhaps it’s now listed on eBay?  And, what about the cameraman?  Is he still working?

Golf Channel is celebrating 20 years on the air with anniversary-themed initiatives both on-air and online surrounding the official anniversary on Saturday, Jan. 17. On-air plans will include a Morning Drive appearance by Joe Gibbs, Golf Channel co-founder, on Saturday, Jan. 17 as he looks back on the evolution of Golf Channel dating back to its earliest stages.

“This is an exciting time for The Golf Channel and I salute president Mike McCarley, and his senior vice president of programming Tom Knapp, for continuing to successfully lead a skilled team of producers, writers, editors, photographers, and their many other executive and supporting staff, who all help the company bring forth some of the best coverage in golf,” says Debert Cook, publisher of the African American Golfer’s Digest. “The Golf Channel has been instrumental in featuring the diversity activities hosted by our publication, and, they have continued to reach out to us when they need information that is classic to our readership.”

McCarley (pictured above), an accomplished American broadcasting executive, assumed the post at Golf Channel in February 2011 after more than a decade with NBC. He is a protégé of former NBC Sports & Olympics Chairman Dick Ebersol. GolfChannel.com editorial content will include a first-person testimonial from Golf Channel anchor Rich Lerner about some of his favorite moments covering the game dating back to Golf Channel’s early years on the air, as well as a column from Morning Drive co-host Bailey Mosier, who asks Tour players what advice they would give their 20-year-old selves.

The network also will feature other anniversary themed content throughout the weekend, including online photo galleries based on Golf Channel’s New York Times Best-Seller The Golf Book. In early 1990, cable-entrepreneur Joseph E. Gibbs began his quest to launch a 24-hour golf network. As fate would have it, that same year Gibbs opened up his Birmingham, Ala., home to host one of the pros playing in the PGA Championship. That pro was none other than The King himself, Arnold Palmer. An immediate friendship developed between the two and that bond sparked the idea that became the GOLF CHANNEL.

The cast for Golf Channel’s 23nd season of its popular Big Break reality competition series – Big Break The Palm Beaches, FL – was revealed today, featuring 12 aspiring golfers hoping to take that next step in their professional golf careers.  Twelve men will compete for more than $120,000 in cash and prizes on the series, including an exemption to the 2015 Barbasol Championship on the PGA TOUR.  Taking place at PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. – home to the PGA TOUR’s Honda Classic and the famed Bear Trap – Big Break The Palm Beaches, FL premieres Monday, Feb. 2 at 9 p.m. ET.
Among the cast is one African American golfer Clay Myers (pictured above).  Myers (24, Orlando, Fla. / Memphis, Tenn., was a member of the four-time Southwestern Athletic Conference championship golf team at Jackson State University. Myers also recorded multiple collegiate victories, highlighted by the 2012 individual conference championship title.  In funding his golf career, Myers has participated in several Dick’s Sporting Goods commercials and Golf Galaxy catalogs, and also caddied for Cheyenne Woods in 2014.

Produced in partnership with VISIT FLORIDA, Discover The Palm Beaches and PGA National, Big Break The Palm Beaches, FL features one of the most talented and diverse casts in series history.  The cast includes several collegiate All-Americans, multiple-time winners on various mini tours and an Iraq War Veteran looking to become the first amputee golfer to compete on the PGA TOUR. A special “Meet the Players” show will air Monday, Jan. 26 at 10 p.m. ET.

GRAND PRIZE: The competitors are playing for more than $120,000 in cash and prizes during the course of the series.  In addition to the weekly challenge prizes on the series, The winner of Big Break The Palm Beaches, FL will receive more than $80,000 in cash and prizes, including:

• An exemption to the 2015 Barbasol Championship on the PGA TOUR
• $60,000 in cash, including $10,000 courtesy of Adams Golf.
• An endorsement contract from Adams Golf.
• $10,000 in car rental credit courtesy of Avis Car Rental.
• $10,000 in travel credit courtesy of Travelocity.
• A return, week-long trip for two to PGA National Resort & Spa, including Suite Accommodations, daily breakfast, select Spa services, daily golf and a Chef’s private dinner at Ironwood Steak & Seafood.

HOST GOLF COURSES:
Filmed on location in September, the series will unfold on four of PGA National Resort & Spa’s award-winning golf courses, headlined by the famed Champion Course.  Hall-of-Famer and acclaimed designer Jack Nicklaus redesigned the course in 1990, and then went through a renovation in 2014.  A key part of the renovation was an adjustment to the design of No. 14 – the prelude to The Bear Trap (Holes 15-17) – which included bringing the green closer to the water on the right.

“The Champion Course is a thinking person’s golf course,” said Nicklaus.  “You’ve got to figure out whether to attack the greens or whether to be conservative.  That, to me, is what golf is all about.  I’ve always put a premium on accuracy, rather than power.  This golf course definitely has those elements, and I look forward to seeing those elements come into play.”

• The Champion – Home to The Honda Classic, the Champion Course features The Bear Trap – a demanding stretch of holes (15-17) that is widely known as one of the toughest in golf.
• The Palmer – Named after its designer, Arnold Palmer, the course is a subtle nod to the game’s Scottish roots and is a true risk / reward layout. Its 18th is one of the most scenic and picturesque par 5s on the property.
• The Fazio – A complete renovation of the resort’s Haig Course, The Fazio was modernized by Tom Fazio II and is a splendid shot maker’s design.
• The Squire – Named after Gene Sarazen and designed by George and Tom Fazio, The Squire is a test of accuracy and precision and is the most exacting of the courses at PGA National.

SERIES FORMAT: 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.  During Big Break The Palm Beaches, FL, competitors will be subject to skills challenges from tee-to-green, including two of the series’ signature challenges, the popular “Glass Break” and “Flop Wall.”  One contestant will be eliminated each week, with the last player standing awarded his Big Break, an opportunity to compete on the PGA TOUR.

For the past 22 seasons, Golf Channel’s Big Break competition series has proven to be the launching pad for many aspiring professional golfers looking to take that next step in their golf careers, including PGA TOUR winners Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey and Matt Every, and U.S.Solheim Cup participants Kristy McPherson, Gerina Piller and Ryann O’Toole, all playing full time on the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour, respectively.  Several other past Big Break competitors will be competing on the world’s top tours in 2015, including Tony Finau (PGA TOUR), Mallory Blackwelder, Katy Harris, Sadena Parks and Jackie Stoelting (LPGA Tour), Sophie Sandolo (Ladies European Tour) and Rick Cochran, Hugo Leon, James Nitties, Justin Peters and Mark Silvers (Web.com Tour).