ORLANDO, Fla. -- Big Break alumni James Nitties and Jeanne Cho-Hunicke earned playing privileges to compete in 2009 on the PGA TOUR and LPGA, respectively. Nitties finished tied for second in the PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament to earn to his playing card while Cho-Hunicke finished tied for 15th at the LPGA Tour's qualifying event.

Nitties competed in Big Break: Mesquite last fall while Cho-Hunicke appeared in Big Break V: Hawaii in 2006.

Each will join former Big Break contestants next year. Big Break VII: Reunion champion Tommy Gainey finished 148th on the PGA TOUR money list to retain his playing privileges while Big Break Ka'anapali winner Kim Welch will be a rookie on the LPGA next year after finishing 10th on the Duramed FUTURES Tour money list. In addition, Big Break VI: Trump National contestant Kristy McPherson will be in her third season after finishing 47th on the money list and Big Break V: Hawaii's Becky Lucidi will be in her second stint on the circuit.

The Big Break concept showcases highly skilled golfers competing against each other in a variety of challenges that test their physical skills and mental toughness, with the ultimate winner awarded his/her "Big Break," a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete in select professional tournaments, and other career-building prizes.

Past Big Break champions have competed on some of the world's top professional circuits, such as the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour, European Tour, LPGA Tour, Nationwide Tour and Canadian Tour.

Currently airing Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET, Big Break X: Michigan's finale will be on Dec 16.

For more information, please contact Mark Mitchell at 407-355-4063, or mmitchell@golfchannel.com.