MasterCard TPC Series makes dream come true for Briseno

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TPC Louisiana member Frank Briseno IV's victory in the MasterCard TPC Series allowed him to travel to the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard. Pictured are Briseno, right, and his wife, Julie, with Palmer.

Perhaps earning a Monday qualifying spot in this week's field at the Zurich Classic at TPC Louisiana was a bit of a lofty goal for TPC Louisiana annual pass member Frank Briseno IV. But why shouldn't the 27-year-old financial adviser think big after celebrating his victory in the MasterCard TPC Series Finale last fall with the experience of a lifetime.

And, while his efforts last Friday with a round of 79 at a neighboring Louisiana golf course in an attempt to earn a coveted qualifying position fell short, his experiences to date, thanks to MasterCard, have not.

After all, it was only last month that Briseno and his wife were guests of MasterCard at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Country Club as part of the Series Finale prize package that included a two-night stay at the tournament host hotel (The Portofino), two tickets to the official draw party, two invitations to the MasterCard private dinner hosted by U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell among others, a playing position in the Wednesday Pro-Am, two invitations to the official awards party and tournament tickets.

Brisneo and Jeff Overton posted a 12-under score at the API Pro-Am.

In between rubbing shoulders with the some of the game's best and meeting Arnold Palmer, Briseno managed to focus enough to finish sixth in the Pro-Am appearance with PGA TOUR pro Jeff Overton with a 12-under performance as a team on Wednesday. Not bad for a country club golfer who couldn't even earn a spot on the Tulane golf team a few years back!

"MasterCard treated us first class on every level," said Briseno, a student of the game who has since shaved his handicap to a 1.8 with hard work. "This was a dream come true. I can't imagine anyone not enjoying this experience. It was phenomenal!"

The triumphant run began back at TPC Louisiana last fall when Briseno was looking forward to another golf outing with his friends on his home course and entered the MasterCard TPC Series on Oct. 5. By winning the event, he qualified for the Series Finale held later that month at the TPC Sawgrass PLAYERS Stadium Course along with a field of qualifiers hailing from other MasterCard TPC Series events.

The MasterCard Series Finale was the final stage in the competition and designed to be a "true" TOUR experience -- complete with forecaddies. Like the experience at Bay Hill, MasterCard provided the works: a welcome reception, gift package, two nights lodging, golf clinic and awards dinner.

Briseno was primed for the challenge. Standing at 5'1" and lacking the length off the tee of most TOUR players, Briseno wasn't sure if he could pass the test at the Home of THE PLAYERS and went in with realistic expectations -- just excited to play the golf course. Ironically, he recently begun working with 2002 PLAYERS champion Craig Perks, the New Zealander who also calls Louisiana home.

"He's done a fantastic job with me," said Briseno. "He is working with me on my long game."

Briseno steadied the course that day, but double-bogeyed No. 17 and thought he had knocked himself out of contention. "The caddie told me walking up that low gross score would win and I was thinking it was low net. I was second or third net with a 76. Needless to say, when they announced the winner and the grand prize, I couldn't believe it."

So, as he watches golf this week during the Zurich Classic at TPC Louisiana and observes as the pros try to make their moves on the leaderboard, Briseno has been there. Thanks to MasterCard, he has lived the true TOUR experience, and it truly was priceless!

His golf experience is only one reminder. His wife of three years is another. In a few months, the arrival of their first child, Frank V, will serve as another. Dreams really do come true.

Michael Curet is a freelance writer based in the Jacksonville, Fla., area.