Annie Mallory, 23, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
"I want the world to know that women can hit it with the men!"
Hailing from a modestly-sized town in Eastern Canada, Mallory sees herself as an outsider and an underdog in the golf world. Her introduction to golf came out of a need to compete and beat her sister. Mallory’s greatest triumph thus far is her golf scholarship to University of Texas-El Paso. She currently plays on the Futures Tour. Surprisingly, it was only recently she had her first true lesson while attending the Butch Harmon Golf School.
Kristy McPherson, 24, Conway, S.C.
Overcame adversity to have a bright future in golf
At age 11, McPherson was diagnosed with a severe arthritic condition and was unable to walk for an entire year. A winner on the Futures Tour this year, McPherson enjoyed a stellar career at the University of South Carolina. While at USC, she recorded seven wins in collegiate events, was named a three-time NCAA All-American and was the individual winner of the SEC Championships in 2001 and 2002. In addition, she was named the 2002 Honda Inspirational Athlete of the Year and 2002 NCAA South Carolina Woman of the Year.
Karyn Stordahl-Utecht, 25, Prior Lake, Minn.
"I love breaking the mold!"
Crowned Miss Minnesota in 2005, Stordahl-Utecht is much more than a pretty face. She graduated from the University of Minnesota Magna Cum Laude while competing on the golf team. Winning the Lady Razorback Invitational as a junior at the University of Minnesota was a landmark event in her golf game. Due to obligations connected with Miss Minnesota, Stordahl-Utecht played little competitive golf in 2005-2006. A week after taping The Big Break VI, she will marry her college sweetheart, Indianapolis Colts tight end Ben Utecht.
Briana Vega, 23, North Andover, Mass.
Exhibits talent beyond her years
Vega’s passion and talent earned her a golf scholarship to North Carolina State University, where she holds the 18- and 54-hole scoring records. In 2004, she won the Massachusetts Amateur and qualified to play in the U.S. Women’s Open. Vega is toiling on the Futures Tour where she is working to improve her game.
"Big Break VI" - Men
Sid Corliss, 56, Cumming, Ga.A quick wit to go with a smooth style
Currently ranked 30th on the Sun Belt Tour, Corliss’ highlight in golf was playing in the 2001 U.S. Senior Open with his brother on the bag. Teetering on the cut line, he birdied two out of the last four holes to make the cut. He also played in four Senior British Opens and four Champions Tour events. His dream is to win a Champions Tour event with his brother - who recently recovered from stage four throat cancer - caddying for him.
Albert Crews, 54, Homer, La.
The quintessential underdog poised for the biggest break of his life
The first thing you notice on the golf course is Crews’ awkward cross-handed grip and unorthodox swing he learned as a kid swinging for fun. Growing up in Louisiana, he started caddying when he was 9-years-old. He played football in high school and didn’t play golf regularly until he was 25. Currently a concrete mason, Crews struggled to make his way in mini tour events, riding Greyhound buses between stops. In 2005, he qualified for the U.S. Senior Open.
