Stephanie Sparks, A Former All-American Golfer And 'Golf Channel' Personality, Dies At 50

Stephanie Sparks, a former LPGA golfer who later appeared in several Golf Channel shows, passed away on April 13 at the age of 50. No information on her cause of death was given.

Before joining the professional tour, Sparks was an All-American golfer for the Duke University Blue Devils. She won several tournaments at the amateur level, including the 1992 North and South Women’s Amateur and the 1993 Women’s Western Amateur and Women’s Eastern Amateur. In 1994, she represented the U.S. in the Curtis Cup.

GUADALAJARA, MEXICO - Lorena Ochoa (right) of Mexico is interviewed by Stephanie Sparks (left) of The Golf Channel during the third round of the Lorena Ochoa Invitational Presented by Banamex and Corona Light at Guadalajara Country Club on November 13, 2010 in Guadalajara, Mexico. Sparks passed away on April 13, 2024. (Photo by Michael Cohen/Getty Images)

Unfortunately, her professional career was less distinguished. After making the LPGA tour in 2000, she ended her career after just one season due to chronic back pain. 

After her pro career ended, she starred in the 2004 film "Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius," as Alexa Sterling. She also found success as the host of Golf Channel’s "Big Break," in which contestants competed for the right to play in pro events. She also appeared in the "Golf With Style" and "Playing Lessons with the Pros" series.

Her family plans on holding a private family funeral in her home state of West Virginia.