ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 24, 2010 – In a match worthy of The Solheim Cup, Carling Coffing (Middletown, Ohio) defeated Lili Alvarez (El Paso, Texas) 1 up to win Big Break Sandals Resorts.
A back and forth match the entire episode, neither competitor gained an advantage untl the 17th hole at Sandals Emerald Reef Golf Club, when Coffing made a 25-foot birdie putt to go 1 up with one hole to play. When Alvarez attempted to even up the match, she was met with a bad break following her second shot on the par-5 finishing hole, taking a penalty stroke as a result of an unplayable lie. With Alvarez faced with a 15-foot par putt, Coffing secured the victory with a two-putt par.
As champion of Big Break Sandals Resorts, Coffing will be awarded with the opportunity to compete in the 2010 Lorena Ochoa Invitational presented by Banamex and Corona Light on the LPGA Tour, (Nov. 11-14) and the 2010 Omega Dubai Ladies Masters (Dec. 8-11) on the Ladies European Tour.
In addition to the tournament exemptions, Coffing receives an endorsement contract from Adams Golf, which includes $10,000 cash; a $10,000 shopping spree from Dick’s Sporting Goods; $5,000 courtesy of SkyCaddie to cover her 2010 LPGA Tour Qualifying Tournament fees; full-exempt status on the 2011 Duramed FUTURES Tour with all tournament entry fees waived; and a 7-day/6-night Luxury Included® vacation to Sandals regency La Toc Golf Resort and Spa in St. Lucia.
Taking place at Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exuma, Bahamas, Big Break Sandals Resorts showcased a field of 11 women – nine currently play on the Duramed FUTURES Tour – competing against each other in an attempt to make their lifelong dream of playing alongside the world’s top golfers a reality.
Big Break Sandals Resorts unfolded on one of the most picturesque golf courses in the world, Sandals Emerald Reef Golf Club at Sandals Emerald Bay. A Greg Norman design, Sandals Emerald Reef Golf Club is a 7,200 yard, par 72 oceanside golf course that features six signature holes hugging the perimeter of Emerald Bay’s scenic peninsula overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
The 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 Sandals Resorts, one contestant was eliminated each week. 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 previous female contestants have gone on to compete on the LPGA Tour, including Kristy McPherson, a member of the 2009 U.S. Solheim Cup Team.
The 14th season of Golf Channel’s popular Big Break series, Big Break Dominican Republic, will premiere Sept. 29 at 9 p.m. ET. Twelve former Big Break contestants will return to the series, competing for a second chance to put their professional golf careers on the fast track and to settle unfinished business.
