Thomas Blankvoort - "Big Break IV" Contestant

In 1991, he participated in a training program developed by legendary tennis instructor, Nick Bollettieri, who is credited with having developed the games of tennis superstars like Andre Agassi, Monica Seles and Jim Courier.

Thomas likes to say he didn't go looking for golf, it came to him. While in England, he was introduced to one of England's most accomplished golfers and eight-time Ryder Cup competitor, Bernard Hunt, who was the pro at his parent's local club. Hunt was a legend in England and made quite an impression on young Thomas. So much so, that golf began to dominate all the time he spent playing sports.

Although Thomas did not play competitively as a junior, he had developed a -3 handicap by the time he was ready for college. Fluent in English, as well as in German and his native Dutch, he decided to try his luck in the United States and narrowly missed making the golf team as a walk-on at the University of Florida.

Unwilling to quit, he decided to transfer, but made the decision to pick a school based on its academic – rather than athletic – standards. He chose George Washington University, where he played golf for the remainder of his college career and was selected twice as an Academic All-American, an accomplishment of which he is most proud.

Upon being selected as a contestant on "The Big Break IV," Thomas had yet to compete in a professional tournament. He hopes the show experience will provide a true test of his mental and physical strengths, and provide him with some needed exposure in the golfing community.

"This may not be career defining," he said. "But I do know that defining moment is yet to come."

Currently, Thomas is playing in various mini-tour events throughout Europe.