Where They Are Now- Briana Vega

Recently, GoPack.com had the opportunity to catch up with former women's golf member Briana Vega about what she has been up to since she graduated from NC State.

Currently residing in Orlando, Fla., she graduated in 2004 with a degree in psychology. She won Golf Channel's "Big Break VII" in 2006 and played professional golf for nine years after her time with the Wolfpack, but has remained in the golf industry as her chosen line of work.

Where she is now:
"I live in Orlando, Fla. and am an assistant golf professional at the Country Club of Orlando. I have been working at the Country Club of Orlando since the winter of 2009. I first started working here part time during my off seasons while I was still playing on the Symetra Tour. However, in 2013 I stopped playing competitively due to a thumb injury and started working full time while I was recovering from surgery.

"My surgery fused together my MCP joint with a plate and four screws in my left thumb. I lost all mobility in my joint, but thankfully I'm finally pain free. During my time away from competitive golf, I also completed the PGA program and am now a PGA Class A Golf Professional."

What her job entails on a day-to-day basis:
"My job can vary day to day but that's what makes it exciting! I'm in charge of our Ladies Golf Association, teach and am our golf shop merchandiser. I spend a lot of my time preparing and running tournaments, ordering clothes and organizing our shop. I also love to get out on the lesson tee and teach our up and coming junior golfers.

"Even though we are located in Florida, we're not a seasonal club. We stay busy throughout the entire year! I do not get to travel as much with this job as I did when I was on tour. I do miss the traveling but it's also nice to be in one place for more than a week."

Her favorite thing about her job:
"I love being in the golf business and helping to grow the game. I love when a student comes in after a lesson and says they really saw a difference on the golf course. It's rewarding to know you can help someone enjoy the game a little bit more.

"I think that my job helps me to give back and stay in tune with golf. I love being able to share my knowledge and experience with other players."

How often she plays golf:
"Ironically being in the golf business you don't get to actually play much golf yourself! However, after a three-year break from competitive golf, I went back to LPGA Qualifying School this August. I was a little rusty after not playing any tournament golf in three years but it felt so good to be back out there.

"I didn't make it through to second stage, however I did get some Symetra Tour status for 2017 and hopefully I will be able to play in a few tournaments. Now that I am a PGA Class A member I can now compete in our section tournaments. There are not many girls in our section so I get to compete against the guys!"

Her experience on the Big Break and as a professional golfer:
"I played on the Symetra Tour for nine years, but never had full-time LPGA status. I did get to play in two LPGA tournaments on sponsor exemptions from Big Break.

"The Golf Channel gave me a great opportunity by picking me to be on Big Break and I took advantage! Big Break Trump National was a huge stepping stone for my professional career. I was also fortunate enough to meet Donald Trump, the host of our show. After the show was over, he even had me come up to New York to play a round of golf with him! He was very supportive of my golf career and actually wrote me a very generous check to help support me."

Her memories about collegiate golf and NC State:
"I absolutely loved my time at NC State and I loved my coach. I miss being in college and playing for my school. It's one of the best times of my life and I'm so proud to be a Wolfpacker!"

Related Videos