Kip Henley (center, in olive green shirt) is surrounded by family and friends at Creeks Bend for Thursday night’s ‘Big Break’ viewing party
photo by Paul Payne
Kip Henley’s Joyful Reunion
Kip Henley, known for his charming banter and humorous remarks, found himself surprisingly tight-lipped about the recent rematch from the “Big Break II” finale held back in 2004. The long-anticipated nine-hole showdown aired on GolfPass.com, but Henley managed to keep the outcome under wraps.
A Surprising Viewing Party
At the viewing party hosted at Creeks Bend Golf Club, over 60 family members and friends, including his brother Brent, were in attendance, eagerly watching without knowing the result. Henley maintained his poker face during the broadcast, breaking into a smile only when Donatello missed a crucial birdie putt, sealing Henley’s victory and a $5,000 prize.
The Epic Matchup
The last face-off between Henley and Donatello took place 21 years ago in Las Vegas, making it one of Golf Channel’s most viewed events. At that time, both aspired to launch their careers on the PGA Tour, driven by the stakes of the final match. This rematch, held at Horseshoe Bay Resort in Texas, was reviving the series that had concluded production after 23 seasons in 2015.
Reflections on a Resounding Win
Now 65, Henley reminisced about his journey, acknowledging the less impactful nature of this match compared to the previous one due to different circumstances. “This was more of an exhibition, but winning still held meaning for me,” he said, enjoying the moment surrounded by local supporters who had cheered for him in a way they couldn’t back in 2004.
The Match’s Tension Build-Up
The two players were informed they would compete in a nine-hole stroke-play match, with delays from camera setups making the experience nerve-wracking. Despite a rocky start that included an out-of-bounds shot leading to a double-bogey, Henley rallied back, finding himself ahead after a birdie and Donatello’s struggles.
A Memorable Conclusion
As the match reached its closing hole, Henley managed to secure a victory despite the back-and-forth tension. Donatello, meanwhile, watched from home, reflecting on the match’s outcome, exclaiming he could have won had he chosen a different club during a crucial shot. Henley’s win allowed him to emerge from the shadows, celebrating a memorable return to the spotlight.
The exciting match is set to re-air on Golf Channel on November 19 at 7 p.m. EST.
Paul Payne can be reached via email at [email protected]
Supporters of Kip Henley react to a missed putt that provided the victory.
photo by Paul Payne
