“Big break” Coffing set for Omega Dubai Ladies Masters
Carling Coffing will rely on her flinty ‘never-give-up’ resolve to beat the challenge when the ‘Big Break’ winner makes her maiden appearance at the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, starting at the Emirates Golf Club from December 6 to 11.
Diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes when she was just five, Coffing never allowed the debilitating disease to dampen her enthusiasm for the game. Now an accomplished golfer on the Duramed Futures Tour, the Middletown native defeated fellow finalist Lili Alvarez over 18 holes one up to win the finale of the Golf Channel’s hit reality show called Big Break Sandals Resorts in August this year.
Being the winner of the show, Coffing received a tournament exemption for the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, the season-ending event on the Ladies European Tour, in addition to other prizes. “The Big Break has given me so many opportunities that I never thought I would have,” said Coffing, who made 13 of 17 cuts last season on the Duramed Futures Tour, also known as the Road to the LPGA
“I am really looking forward to coming to Dubai and playing against some of the big names in golf like Michelle Wie and Laura Davies. I have read and heard lots of good things about Dubai and it will be fun to play in the tournament and taste the Arabian hospitality,” said the 24-year-old prodigy whose ultimate aim is start her on charity to find a cure for diabetes.
“For that to happen, I need to become a star and earn lots of money. Once you know you can do it, you can accomplish anything. That’s the confidence I have got after winning the Big Break show,” said Coffing, who still donates a percentage of her earning to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Maintaining health and playing golf are both big challenges.”Taking blood sugar and endless insulin shots every day was tough, but life is much easier after I switched to a diabetic insulin pump in 2008,” said Coffing
“I am working with Medtronic, my insulin pump company, who are also my sponsors and giving me the opportunity to give speeches motivating other diabetics to reach for the stars,” said Coffing whose father, an All American wrestler, needed to work 15 hours a day to support her dream.
“We are delighted to know that Carling is coming to Dubai. Her presence in the city will be a source of inspiration for everyone watching her,” said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi.
“She is a tough competitor who has overcome enormous odds to achieve her dream of becoming a professional golfer. We will try and do our best to ensure she has a comfortable stay here and hope she returns home with good memories of Dubai.
“With all her charity work she is already a true winner off course – and on course, she brings special energy to the game.”
'golf in DUBAi' is backed by Omega as the title sponsor and Dubal (Dubai Aluminium) as the sponsor. The co-sponsors are: Emirates NBD, Jumeirah, CNN, Gulf News and wasl while Dubai Duty Free, Motivate and Carpetland are the Patrons in golf in DUBAi’s drive to showcase the emirate's vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.
