Cirbie Sheppard
Auburn, Calif.
Hometown: Auburn, Calif.
Birthdate: 12/14/83
College: Sierra College
Home Golf Course: Auburn Country Club, Auburn. Calif.
Interests: Piano, martial arts, cooking, basketball, skiing,
arts & crafts, pretty much every “Legend Of Zelda”
Nintendo game
Family: Single
View Cirbie Sheppard's Bio Video
View Cirbie Sheppard's Swing Video
View Cirbie Sheppard's Exit Interview
Cirbie Sheppard is not the typical Big Break contestant. Showing up at the course in a black '80s style, Joan Jett rockers outfit and barefoot – she hates wearing shoes on the course and doesn’t feel right “dressing girly or golfy” – she looks more like a contestant on American Idol than Big Break Ka’anapali. This girl marches to own her beat and is on a mission to play golf and rock on.
“I always try to stay positive. I use mind over matter to create and attract the things in life I want,” said Sheppard, noting that other people notice this and it draws them to her. “More than once, I’ve had someone I don’t know come up to me and tell me I have a fiery aura.”
She is flower power with a hard rock soundtrack clashing with the Five Fundmentals of the Modern Golf Swing. And yes, when Sheppard went to Ka’anapali, she did wear flowers in her hair.
“I know I’ll probably have the least experience of anyone there, but I can’t wait. To be a part of this whole event is a blessing and a gift,” said Sheppard.
As expected, she is not your typical aspiring LPGA Tour player. The former Hooters girl started playing golf when her high school started a golf team, and after shooting 52 in her first nine holes, Sheppard knew that she had a natural talent.
While attending Sierra College in California, her golf steadily improved. After graduation, she began working at her parents’ business called Wally’s Natural Products and practicing everyday. To gain more tournament experience, Sheppard has played select events on mini tours, including the Cactus Tour. Playing on the LPGA is the ultimate goal, but is just one of her many pursuits. Sheppard is as accomplished playing the piano as in martial arts, where she is a third degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
“I’ve always been a perfectionist. I was five-years-old and learning to play piano, I would hit the keys really hard when I would make mistakes,” remembers Sheppard. “My parents made me quit because they were afraid I’d chip the keys or something.”
Taking up piano again at the age of 13, she learned “Moonlight Sonata” and lots of songs by the new-age artist Yanni. Sheppard still plays her keyboard every night before bed and says that playing piano helps center her. While the piano is soothing, hard rock, in particular the band Korn, is her first love. Her fiancé is a guitar player in a Canadian rock band called Neurosonic.
At first, Sheppard sounds a bit too “Zen” to be serious about golf. It’s just her way. Some players grimace and scowl to combat pressure while she chooses to smell the flowers. And that summer-of-love attitude may just play well on Big Break Ka’anapali.
Click to See What’s in the Bag
| Club | Name | ||
| Driver: | Titleist 975 J 10° | ||
| Woods: | 975 F 14° & 5WD & & 7WD Nickent GH Plus | ||
| Irons: | Callaway x-12 | ||
| Wedges: | Callaway Steelhead x14 LW & Callaway Big Bertha SW |
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| Putter: | Scotty Cameron Ti3 | ||
| Ball: | Titleist Pro V 1 (#1 or 3) |
