Stephanie Sparks dead at 50: Former Golf Channel host, USA Curtis Cup and LPGA player passes away

Stephanie Sparks, who hosted several seasons of Golf Channel's the 'Big Break', passed away last week at age 50. 

Sparks was an All-American college golfer at Duke and hosted several shows on Golf Channel.

Her cause of death is unknown at this time, and she was most recently living in Orlando. 

Sparks also competed in the LPGA Tour and the USA Curtis Cup before focusing solely on broadcasting. 

Sparks was born in Wheeling, West Virginia and won several amateur golf titles before going pro.  

Back pain eventually ended Sparks' playing career.

'She had been a professional golfer herself,' Tom Abbott, Sparks co-host for seven years on the 'Big Break' told Golfweek. 

'So she knew what it was like for the contestants, and she wanted them to succeed. She kind of rode their emotions in a way when we were doing the show,' Abbott continued.

According to her obituary, Sparks spent last several years of her life being an advocate for hospice care.

In addition to the 'Big Break', Sparks hosted 'Golf with Style' and 'Playing Lessons with the Pros', and also did reporting at professional golf events. 

Per her obituary, a private family service will be held in Sparks' honor. 

'I’ll forever be grateful for the friendships I made in junior golf,' broadcaster Lisa Cornwell said on X of Sparks. 'Last week, we lost one of our best @AJGAGolf mates. God bless you, Sparky… and thanks for being you.'