David Byrne

Big Break Indian Wells Competitor
Age: 23
Hometown: Essex, Ontario, Canada
Current residence: Essex, Ontario, Canada
Home Course: Sutton Golf and Country Club, Essex, Ontario
College: University of Detroit-Mercy
Profession: Golf Professional

The youngest competitor on Big Break Indian Wells, David Byrne has overcome enormous odds to achieve his dream of playing professional golf.  Raised by a single mother and without a lot of money, David and his mother worked tirelessly to keep food on the table and a roof over their head.

“Growing up, my mother and I worked a combined seven jobs just to keep things afloat,” said David.  “My mom and my family always came first.  I started working at age nine.  I matured mentally very quickly, and that mentality has translated to the golf course. I’m a grinder.”

David fell in Love with golf at a young age.  His mother would drop him off at the golf course on his days off early in the morning when he wasn’t in school. He would practice all day until his mother picked him up, sometimes hitting golf balls in the dark with a flashlight while waiting for her.  Work, school and golf were his life growing up.

At age 16, he began to consider golf as a future, when two of his weekend golf buddies told him, “Hey kid, you are really good.  You might have a future if you continue to work hard.”

David continued to excel.  He earned a scholarship to the University of Detroit-Mercy, where he was 2010 Horizon League Player of the Year.  His amateur golf resume is impressive – he is a three-time Ontario Match Play Champion and also was the top-ranked amateur in Ontario in 2007.

Following graduation in 2010 and just prior to filming of Big Break Indian Wells, David turned professional.  He moved to Orlando, Fla., in early 2011 to focus on his game.  His priorities are grounded – he hopes to succeed in professional golf to continue to support his mother, who has been so supportive of him.

“Everything I do here in golf is for my mom and because of my mom,” said David.  “Being selected to compete on Big Break Indian Wells is a dream come true in itself.  It’s my favorite show and I have never missed an episode.  I plan on taking advantage of this opportunity.”

Only time will tell.

Watch David's Video Bio

Watch David's first interview after winning Big Break Indian Wells

Big Break Indian Wells Competitors:
Robbie Biershenk
Piri Borja
David Byrne
Kent Eger
Robert Floyd
Oren Geri
John Lepak
Will Lowery
Russell Normandin
Justin Payne
Carl Whyte

Related TV Shows:
Big Break Indian Wells