Stephanie Sparks, a notable figure in the world of golf, passed away on April 13 at the age of 50.
Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, Sparks had an illustrious amateur golf career, marked by victories such as the 1992 North and South Women’s Amateur and the 1993 Women’s Western Amateur and Women’s Eastern Amateur championships.
She also made significant contributions to collegiate golf while attending Duke University, where she earned All-American honors and represented the United States in the Curtis Cup.
Despite facing injuries toward the end of her college career and during her transition to professional golf, Sparks remained dedicated to the sport.
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She competed on the LPGA Tour for one season before ultimately retiring.
However, her love for golf persisted, leading her to various roles within the industry.
Sparks showcased her talent beyond the fairways by portraying Alexa Stirling in the 2004 film “Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius.”
Additionally, she became a familiar face on Golf Channel, co-hosting popular reality shows like “Big Break,” where contestants vied for opportunities to compete in professional events.
Her understanding of the challenges faced by golfers, stemming from her own experiences as a professional, endeared her to contestants and audiences alike.
Tom Abbott, Sparks’ co-host on “Big Break” for seven years, paid tribute to Sparks.
“I’m shocked and saddened by the death of Stephanie Sparks. Many of you will remember Steph as the host of #BigBreak – we worked together on 7 seasons. Lots of fond memories of those times, Steph was a crucial part of the Big Break success story. My thoughts go out to her family.”
Sparks’ legacy in the golfing community is marked by her passion for the game and her desire to see others succeed on and off the course.
Sparks’ cause of death is currently unknown.
Our condolences go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of Sparks.
