The first competitor on the show to be on active duty, Master Sergeant Russell Normadin used the skills he learned in the Marine Corp to sharpen his mental focus, which proved to be a strength for him during his time on Big Break.

Russell enlisted in the military in 1993. While on his first tour in Japan, he began practicing regularly. Through the suggestion of his fellow Marines, he began competing when he was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California, and soon realized how much of a passion he had for the game.

???I???ve been in the military for almost 20 years. Traveling the world and serving your country, you get a really good perspective on life and you learn how to overcome adversity. I want to accomplish more in life outside of the military, and I just felt that golf was my outlet to do just that.???

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