Chattanooga Classic presented by Black Creek

Kip Henley's native state is giving the Crossville, Tn resident another Big Break. Henley, winner of Golf Channel's reality show Big Break II, has been given sponsor exemption status for Tennessee's two Nationwide Tour events, the Chattanooga Classic and the Knoxville Open.

Henley earned four sponsor's exemptions on the Nationwide Tour when he captured Big Break II last year. The Big Break exemptions are at the Rheem Classic in Ft. Smith, Ark., the Henrico County Open in Glen Allen, Va., the LaSalle Bank Open in Glenview, Ill., and the Lake Erie Charity Classic in Friendley Lake, N.Y.

The Last segment of the Big Break II taped show, which started with 10 players and saw Henly beat Don Donatello with a birdie on the second extra hole. In addition to the four exemptions, Henly won a Ford 500 and $10,000 in cash.

Henley is a Chattanooga native. He played collegiately at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and grew up playing Creeks Bend Golf Club. He has previously in the Chattanooga Classic and the Knoxville Open.

Henly has excelled in the state since winning the Tennessee Open as an amateur in 1982. He also won the open in 1997 as a pro. Hi is a two-time Section champion (1993-1994) and a four-time Tennessee Player of the Year (1991,94,97,99).

"Our selection committee showed a lot of savvy by making Kip our first sponsor's exemption pick," said Classic executive director Sam Woolwine. "Big Break II was a very popular show and this his hometown. He has family here and while he's now nationally known, he's a local hero."

Two years ago, Henley went into the final day of the Knoxville Open in ninth place, but he struggled on the back nine and fell out of the top 10. He has qualified to play in that event repeatedly.

"Kip has played with us several times and has always competed on a high level," said Knoxville tournament director Sandy Hull. "With the two Tennessee Nationwide Tour events supporting him, along with the exemptions he earned on Big Break II, he has a golden opportunity."

The Knoxville Open will be played June 13-19 at Fox Den Country Club. The Chattanooga Classic will be played May 30-June 5 at Black Creek Club.