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David Gunas Jr. - "Big Break II" Contestant

By Brent Kelley, About.com

David Gunas Jr. - The Big Break IIThe Golf Channel

Age:

37

Residence:

Hebron, Conn.

Hometown:

Manchester, Conn.

Occupation:

Golf professional

Marital Status/Children:

Single/3

Home Golf Course:

Gillette Ridge Golf Club

Collegiate Experience:

University of Hartford

Hobbies:

Coaching youth athletics, soccer, weightlifting

Big Break Nickname:

Comedy Central

Notables:

The "class clown" among The Big Break II contestants, David is always front and center. He played barefooted throughout the competition and eagerly displayed the hand-crafted artwork on his golf balls, which featured Golf Channel personalities and shows.

A scrappy player, David admits his homemade swing is a little unorthodox but it hasn't hampered his game. "I'm not a purist, but I'm a shot-maker," he said.

Not recruited out of high school, he played his way to a full scholarship at the University of Hartford, where he won the first tournament he entered. During his Hartford years, he roomed with current PGA Tour stars Jerry Kelly and Tim Petrovic, and became friends with Jeff Julian, the tour player who garnered recognition because of his struggle with ALS.

David holds eight course records, won 28 professional tournaments and has shot 9-under-par for 18 holes on two occasions.

His moment of fame came in 1997 when playing in the PGA Tour's Westchester Classic as the low qualifier. During Friday's round, CBS golf commentator Gary McCord described David's only televised golf shot as a "flirtatious 7-wood" that nearly flew in for an ace.

Although working full time in sales, David also teaches math and science at a rehabilitation center for drug-addicted teens.

Source: The Golf Channel

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