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Richard Gillot, Big Break IV contestant Courtesy of The Golf Channel, used with permission Richard Gillot - "Big Break IV" ContestantFrom The Golf Channel Personal: Age: 30 Residence: Paris, France Occupation: Golf Professional and Impressionist Marital Status/Children: Married/0 Hobbies: Tennis, skiing, movies, music Nickname: Monty Experience: Home Golf Course: La Boulie Collegiate Golf Experience: None Amateur/Pro: 2-time French Junior Championship winner; winner on Challenge Tour and third on money list in 2000; played on European Tour, Challenge Tour and Alps Tour. Profile - Richard Gillot: Unlike many of his friends, Richard first picked up a golf club at age 7 at a time when golf struggled for any exposure among French youth. Golf was a great way to connect with his father, but the club still had to compete with the racket for Richard's time. Tennis was his first love, but by his 13th birthday Richard knew that golf was the sport for him. He was already regularly beating his Dad at 18 holes and had qualified for the French Junior Championship at age 11. In his second appearance at the Junior Championship in 1987, he won the title, a feat that he repeated in 1989. He competed at the highest level as an amateur for many years, playing with the French Junior National team and competing against the likes of current stars like Tiger Woods, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia. Enjoying some notoriety by age 15, Richard attracted the attention of Nick Faldo and was invited by the six-time major winner to play with him in an exhibition tournament. As a result, Faldo introduced him to David Leadbetter and Richard soon left for Florida to train with the world-class instructor, a relationship that would be sustained for 10 years. As a pro, Richard is a member of the French PGA and has competed on the European Tour, Challenge Tour and, currently, is a full-time member of the Alps Tour. He also has worked as a golf teaching professional. His proudest accomplishment so far was his victory on the Challenge Tour in 2000. He was third on the Tour's money list at the time and ended the season very close to qualifying for the European Tour. He still played in as many as 10 European Tour events the next year, but did not perform up to his standards and never made a cut. Richard admits he hasn't played much in the last two years because of doubts about his future in golf. He is hoping "The Big Break IV" will resurrect his career and provide a second chance at the tour that barely eluded him at the top of this game four years ago. If golf doesn't pan out, there's always show business. Richard has a flair for golf impressions and has showcased his talents during public appearances and on television. |
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