Oren Geri

Big Break Indian Wells Competitor
Age: 37
Hometown: Tel Aviv, Israel
Current Residence: Orlando, Fla.
Home Course: Forest Lake Golf Course
Profession: Professional Golfer

One of the top amateur golfers from Israel, Oren Geri’s success in his native country has not translated to success in the U.S. like he had hoped.

The top-ranked junior and men’s golfer in Israel at age 16, Oren has been playing the sport since age three.  By the time he was 18 and finished high school, Oren had multiple scholarship offers to play at several large Division I Universities in the U.S, including the University of Tennessee and San Diego State University.  As an Israeli citizen, Oren had a duty to his country first.  He enlisted in the Israeli Military, where he was a decorated soldier for three years and was awarded several medals and honors.

At age 21, following his completion of military service, he started to rebuild his golf game.  When he realized his collegiate scholarship offers were no longer in existence, Oren turned professional and moved to the U.S.  He has an impressive resume – three-time winner of the Israel Open, multi-time participant in the World Cup representing Israel and multiple victories on the mini tours.  Among his closest friends and regular playing partners are PGA Tour veterans.  However, he admits that he could never break through to the next level.

“Life on the mini-tours is all about ‘survival,’ said Oren, who has competed on the various mini-tour circuits for the past 15 years. “You hear stories all the time on the road about what the pros do to make ends meet.”

That is what separates Oren from the pack.  In addition to working various odd-jobs, including working at pro shops as a club fitter and as a professional caddy, Oren never shies away from a bet and is always looking for some “action.” 

“I am always looking for a competitive (money) game because it keeps me sharp when I am not on the road competing, and it lets me know if my work on my game has been effective.

“I’m now at a crossroads in my life, but I don’t want to give up my dream,” said Oren.  “This opportunity, to compete on Big Break, could be my next step in realizing my dream.” 

Watch Oren's Video Bio

Watch Oren's Exit Interview

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