Stephanie Sparks, co-host of Golf Channel’s “Big Break” reality series for several seasons, passed away April 13 at the age of 50.
Sparks hailed from Wheeling, West Virginia, and achieved acclaim as an amateur golfer, winning the prestigious North and South Women’s Amateur at Pinehurst in 1992. She followed up with victories at the Women’s Western and Women’s Eastern amateurs the next year. Additionally, she represented the U.S. on the 1994 Curtis Cup team and earned All-America honors at Duke University.
Transitioning to the professional circuit, Sparks competed on the LPGA’s developmental tour before earning a spot on the main tour in 2000. However, her career was cut short due to chronic back pain.
Finding a new path at Golf Channel, Sparks hosted various shows, including “Big Break,” “Golf with Style!” and “Playing Lessons with the Pros.”
She also portrayed Alexa Stirling, a three-time U.S. Women’s amateur champion, in the 2004 film “Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius.”
In 2008, Sparks made her final LPGA appearance at the Ginn Open, receiving a sponsor exemption to bid farewell to her playing career formally.
Outside of golf, Sparks advocated for hospice care and supported organizations like Libby’s Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation and the Barber Fund in Orlando.
A private family service is scheduled at Kepner Funeral Home in Elm Grove, West Virginia.
