Paul Holtby - "Big Break IV" Contestant

"I'm playing some of the best golf of my career, better at 38 than at 22," he said. "Let’s just say I'm an 18-year-old with 20 years of experience."

Coming into "The Big Break IV," he had been successful at his last five Monday qualifiers, which put him in the field at the Buick Invitational and Nissan Open on the PGA TOUR in 2004 and 2005 and the Mark Christopher Charity Classic on the Nationwide Tour in 2004.

"I like the concept that you, alone, are responsible for your successes and failures," he said. "You reap what you sow."

Of course, being good at the game didn't hurt either. Paul played in junior golf competitions as a youngster and was able to post a score of 65 after only a year and a half of experience. Other notable accomplishments along the way include 15 holes-in-one, 15 course scoring records and shooting a low round of 61 in official competition. He also has received the honor of Player of the Year from the Southern California PGA Section.

As an avid student of the game, he is self-taught through long hours on the range, watching videos and reading books. He has devised his own set of golfing fundamentals and says whenever his swing is in need of a fix, he can cure the problem in 15 swings.

Currently, he is a PGA Class A member and a teaching professional at the Tom Barber Golf Center in Moorpark, Calif. He has been nominated as Teacher of the Year for the last three years and has been ranked a top-5 player in the SCPGA Section for the last five years.

Although both parents are from England, Paul had never been to Scotland prior to his "Big Break" experience, but loves links-style golf. Growing up in Simi Valley – the "Valley of the Winds" – he developed a low ball flight he believes will be a huge asset at Carnoustie.

"I can work the ball pretty well," Paul said. "It's consistency that will make the difference."

Although confident in his game, he says his most challenging obstacles in golf have been psychological ones.

"Acceptance is the answer to all my problems," he said. "Be decisive, make a commitment, accept the consequences and move on. No more self-sabotage."