Blair O’Neal named MVP, earns sponsor exemption to 2011 Kia Classic
Anthony Rodriguez earns exemption to 2011 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in surprise twist
ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 1, 2010 – In last night’s finale, the women defeated the men in a series of one-hole single elimination matches to win Big Break Dominican Republic when Christina Lecuyer (Conway, Ark.) dropped a three-foot putt in her match against Blake Moore (Denver, Colo.) to seal her team’s victory.
As a result of their victory, the ladies competing on Big Break Dominican Republic will share a $100,000 purse, with $50,000 going to Blair O’Neal (Scottsdale, Ariz.) as the MVP of the series. O’Neal also will be awarded the opportunity to compete in her first LPGA Tour event, the 2011 Kia Classic on the LPGA Tour in March.
In addition to the tournament exemption and $50,000 cash, O’Neal receives an endorsement contract from Adams Golf, which includes $10,000 cash; a $10,000 shopping spree from Dick’s Sporting Goods, and an all-expenses paid return trip for two to Casa de Campo Resort – host site for the series. All of the women also will receive a Funjet Vacations getaway to the all-inclusive Iberostar Bavaro Suites in the Dominican Republic.
In a series twist, Anthony Rodriguez (San Antonio, Texas) – MVP for the men’s team – also was awarded his Big Break and will tee-it-up on the PGA TOUR at the 2011 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.
The ultimate goal of Big Break Dominican Republic was to knock the other team out of contention. Heading into Tuesday’s finale, the men had the advantage, with five remaining competitors to the women’s four. After the morning matches, however, the momentum shifted when William Thompson (Bracey, Va.), Brian Skatell (Greensburg, Pa.) and Andrew Giuliani (New York, N.Y.) all were eliminated.
In the afternoon matches, O’Neal defeated Rodriguez and Lecuyer defeated Moore to eliminate the men’s team and secure the emotional victory.
Filmed on location in June at the world-famous Casa de Campo Resort, Big Break Dominican Republic unfolded on two Pete Dye-designed courses at Casa de Campo: the Teeth of the Dog and Dye Fore. Teeth of the Dog is the number-one ranked course in the Caribbean and 42nd in the world by Golf Magazine. Dye Fore is a picturesque and challenging course overlooking the Caribbean Sea that measures more than 7,770 yards.
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. Past Big Break champions 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 Kristy McPherson, a member of the victorious 2009 U.S. Solheim Cup Team. For more information on Big Break Dominican Republic, visit www.GolfChannel.com/Big-Break-Dominican-Republic.
$100,000 Purse Breakdown
Blair O’Neal (Scottsdale, Ariz.) $50,000
Lori Atsedes (Orlando, Fla.) $20,000
Sara Brown (Tucson, Ariz.) $10,000
Christina Lecuyer (Conway, Ark.) $10,000
Elena Robles (Redondo Beach, Calif.) $5,000
Brenda McLarnon (Charleston, S.C.) $5,000
About Golf Channel
Golf Channel is a multimedia, golf entertainment and services company based in Orlando, Fla. The Golf Channel cable network, co-founded by Arnold Palmer and a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA, CMCSK), is available in more than 120 million homes worldwide through cable, satellite and wireless companies. Exclusive partnerships with the world’s top tours allow Golf Channel to feature more live golf coverage than all other networks combined, added to a programming schedule distinguished by golf’s best news, instruction and original programming. Golf Channel’s digital platform of businesses is led by www.GolfChannel.com, a leading golf destination on the Internet, delivering unmatched coverage of the world of golf, as well as services that help the recreational player with how to play, what to play and where to play golf.
About the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic’s first tourist was Christopher Columbus in 1492. Rich in history, the DR is a sophisticated destination attracting more than a million U.S. visitors each year. Known for lush tropical beauty, mountains, waterfalls and amazing coastlines, 25 percent of the DR has been protected as national parks and nature preserves and is the most bio-diverse country in the Caribbean. Named a #1 Golf Destination, the DR boasts more than 25 designer golf courses amid upscale resorts, exciting cities and quaint villages filled with warm Dominican people. With the best beaches and fascinating history and culture, the DR is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families alike. Visit the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism’s official website: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.
About Casa de Campo
The 7,000-acre, award-winning Casa de Campo resort, on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, is an all-new vacation destination featuring a unique combination of accommodations, facilities, sports and dining options unmatched by any Caribbean destination. Guests can choose among spacious new Elite hotel rooms and suites or spectacular private villa homes. World-class facilities include: a new lobby and main area; three Pete Dye-designed resort golf courses, including “Teeth of the Dog,” ranked the number-one course in the Caribbean, the inland “Links” and the breathtaking “Dye Fore”; two driving ranges and two “19th Hole” restaurants. Beyond the golf greens is a beautiful private beach, 13 Har-Tru tennis courts, the largest sporting clays facility in the hemisphere and deep sea and river fishing.
The unmatched variety of international restaurants include the resort’s signature breakfast buffet at Lago Grill; The Beach Club by Le Cirque and the new La Cana by Il Circo; Pan-Asian cuisine at Chinois and Spanish delicacies at La Casita at the Marina. Evening entertainment is available at a variety of venues, including a 5,000-seat Grecian-style amphitheater that was inaugurated by Frank Sinatra and site of international touring concerts. Other unique features at Casa de Campo include the incomparable cultural mecca, the Altos de Chavon artists village featuring museums and the Altos de Chavon School of Design – affiliated with the Parsons School of Design in New York – and the chic Marina & Yacht Club. Casa de Campo has won many coveted industry awards, including the honor of 2009 “World’s Leading Golf Resort.” With enriching family programs, the spirit of Dominican hospitality and an unmatched facilities and service, Casa de Campo reigns as “The Caribbean’s Most Complete Resort.” Visit www.casadecampo.com.do.
Contact:
Jeremy Friedman
Golf Channel Public Relations
407-355-4058
407-721-9752 c
jfriedman@golfchannel.com
