Big Break Florida cast member Renee Skidmore will make her Epson Tour season debut this coming week in Lake Wales at the Florida’s Natural Charity Classic. Skidmore and the star-studded field of 144 professional golfers will be vying for their share of the $125,000 purse, fourth largest on Tour this season.

The three-round tournament will begin on Friday, March 21.

The Florida’s Natural Charity Classic is the first of four straight events in the Sunshine State.

Skidmore, who currently resides in Jupiter, has been playing on the Epson Tour since 2009.

The 27-year-old did not play in the first two events of the season.

She recently sat down for a Q&A with www.epsontour.com.

Q: How excited are you to get your Epson Tour season going at the Florida’s Natural Charity Classic?

Renee: I’m really excited that I am about to start my season and I am looking forward to starting it here in Florida. I’ll just have to drive a couple hours up the road. I’m just really looking forward to starting.

Q: What are your goals for the 2014 Epson Tour season?

Renee: My number one goal is to get my LPGA Tour card for the 2015 season. That is the biggest goal that I am looking to accomplish. Secondly, when I sign up for an event I want to go there and try to win it. Having a win or several top-10 finishes would be another goal for me.

Q: What are parts of your golf game that have really improved from last year?

Renee: I’ve been working really hard this offseason in the gym. I have just been working on improving my fitness. So, I’ve done a lot of functional training. I’ve been improving my functional movements - my mobility and my stability within my swing. Basically, I am focusing on my lower body more so I have a better base to drive off of. Fitness is first and foremost the number one thing I have been working most on during the offseason. Secondly, I made a little change with my putting grip. I haven’t changed my grip since I was 14-years-old so that was kind of a big change for me. I feel like the change has improved my putting a lot and I feel like I’m striking the ball at a better line and I’m very comfortable with it.

Q: What was the Big Break Florida experience like?

Renee: It was like nothing I had ever done before. It was so, so cool. It was very fun filming. I’ve never felt pressure like that before. I went into Big Break knowing a little from friends that had been on past shows but you don’t really know what it is like unlike you’re in it. Nothing compares to it. I’ve been in tournaments and in pressure situations, but I felt more pressure on Big Break. It was a great experience and I’m very fortunate for the opportunity and looking forward to watching and having everybody see what unfolds.

Q: Outside of golf, what are some of your hobbies?

Renee: I enjoy playing pool. I like going to the beach and going out to dinner with my friends. I like to go to movies, too. I’m streaky at pool, I can be really good and then I can be off sometimes, but I really like it and I want to get my own pool cue.

The Florida’s Natural Charity Classic will be held at Lake Wales Country Club, which is located at 2925 Florida 60, Lake Wales, FL 33898.

Inside the Ropes with Allie White - March

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