Golfers from all over the world have been paying respect to Stephanie Sparks, a former LPGA professional and longtime broadcaster on Golf Channel, who passed away at the age of 50.
Following her death at the age of 50, Stephanie Sparks left behind a golfing community in sadness.
Unknown circumstances surround the passing of the well-liked Golf Channel host and former LPGA pro. Originally from West Virginia, Sparks now calls Florida home. During his stellar amateur career, he represented the US in the Curtis Cup and was named an All-American in college.
A single season on the LPGA Tour followed in 2000, but her professional career was cut short by a series of injuries and she soon retired, turning her talents to television.
Her most well-known role was as co-host of the hit reality series Big Break on Golf Channel, where players competed to get into professional tournaments.
Additionally, Sparks contributed to the Golf Channel programs Playing Lessons With The Pros and Golf With Style. Tom Abbott, Sparks’ Big Break co-host, spearheaded the social media tributes. “I’m shocked and saddened by Stephanie Sparks’s death,” he wrote. Steph worked with me on seven seasons of Big Break, as many of you may recall.
“Lots of fond memories of those times, Steph was a crucial part of the Big Break success story. My thoughts go out to her family.”
Former PGA Tour player Bill Mallon, who became an orthopedic surgeon, and also attended Sparks alma mater Duke University, said: “RIP Stephanie Sparks, former Duke golf All-American, Curtis Cup team member. Played one year on the LPGA Tour, then a Golf Channel presenter. Died all too soon.”
Sparks was a remarkable player at Duke, making the first team and second teams of the All-American team in his freshman and sophomore seasons, respectively. She competed for the United States in the 1994 Curtis Cup, when the trophy was shared by Ireland and Great Britain following a 9-9 tie at Chattanooga, Tennessee’s The Honors Course.
A lot of admirers shared their tributes on social media. One said, “I cherished Big Break.” I would love to see it return to the Golf Channel. I’m sorry to learn of Stephanie’s demise.” “Was so sorry to see this sad news,” commented someone else. My favorite has always been Stephanie. To all of you who knew her, my condolences.” “Very sad and way too soon!” was what a third person posted. On the show, she was fantastic. I would want to see Big Break restart again since, like many others, I miss it.”
