Tubert makes it to final three on ‘Big Break’

For professional golfer Emily Tubert, it was a chance of a lifetime, although she admitted, “It was the most nervous I’ve ever been in my entire life.”

The Burroughs High graduate wasn’t relating her emotions about taking part in a prestigious national tournament or competing against international talent. Instead, Tubert was describing what it was like to take part in the Golf Channel’s “Big Break Myrtle Beach,” a reality television golf competition.

“Really, I was nervous the entire time,” said Tubert, 22. “You are under constant pressure to make shots and you always have to worry about being eliminated. You kind of get used to having all the cameras around, but you never get used to the pressure. They use 12 cameras and they are always there. A lot of times you have one shot to make it and that’s all you get.

“This was like final round, last group, final hole with a chance to win and you have one shot. The best analogy is that you show up to the U.S Open, they tell you ‘Welcome to the U.S Open, if you miss the fairway on your first shot pack up your bag and go home.’”

Tubert was among 12 contestants featured on the reality program. The pre-taped series aired its season finale Tuesday on the Golf Channel.

The series debuted in 2003 and the winner of each season is rewarded with an exemption to a selected professional tournament or tour. Each week, the contestants take part in skills challenges and one golfer is eliminated each episode. When just two contestants remain, they compete in an elimination challenge to determine the winner.

Unfortunately for Tubert, she wasn’t able to advance to the final episode. The three-time All-American out of the University of Arkansas was eliminated in the second-to-last episode, which aired Dec. 9. However, she did finish third in the competition and was the final female athlete.

In the semifinals, four contestants went head to head in two separate matches. Tubert drew Toph Peterson, 26, of Gilbert, Ariz. After Peterson hit a shot that landed in a water hazard, Tubert needed to convert about a three-foot putt to stay alive. Unfortunately, she missed the putt just left.

“Nine times out of 10, I make that putt,” Tubert said. “I was a definitely disappointed with that. I just wish I could have made it to the finals.”

Despite the tough finish, Tubert said she enjoyed her experience on “Big Break” and is grateful for the chance to have taken part.

“It was just an amazing experience for me and I’m glad they gave me the chance,” she said. “The series has been on for 11 years and just to be a part of that is something that is very special.

“I’ve met a lot of great people and I was able to learn things about myself and my game, as well. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime things for me.”

Tubert and the “Big Break” cast filmed the series in June. The same month, Tubert made her professional debut in the LPGA 2014 Walmart NW Arkansas Championship.

Since graduating from Arkansas in the spring, Tubert has continued to play in professional tournaments and maintained her quest to qualify for the LPGA Tour.

In November, Tubert won the Arizona Women’s Open at the Sun City Country Club. She shot rounds of 69, 67, 73 for a 209 to finish seven-under par for a three-stroke win. In August, she won the opening round of Stage I of the LPGA Qualifying School, but wasn’t able to advance past the second stage.

“I just want to keep playing,” said Tubert, who was an All-Area Girls’ Golfer of the Year and Leader Female Athlete of the Year before becoming a three-time All-Am

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Follow Jeff Tully on Twitter: @jefftsports.